While “weeds” typically refer to plants that grow vigorously and are often unwanted in certain landscapes, some of these plants can indeed produce beautiful flowers. In addition, some are even sources of food or medicine for humans and wildlife. Native plants that spread rapidly are often considered weeds but are important sources of food and shelter for wildlife as well as having an essential role in reforestation after wildfires and soil disturbance. Invasive plants are usually not desirable because they cause problems for native plants and animals, but in some cases, they can be grown intentionally if precautions are taken. When purchasing exotic weed seeds, the gardener is taking on the responsibility of ensuring that they won’t spread invasive plants into neighboring areas, usually by diligently removing flowers before they can seed. Here are a few examples of weeds that are known for their attractive blooms:
Dandelion
Despite being considered a nuisance by many gardeners, dandelions produce vibrant yellow flowers that can brighten up a field or lawn. These flowers are actually not native to the United States, although many people believe they are. In fact, they come from Europe although they have naturalized here, and aren’t as invasive or detrimental as some weeds. Dandelions are attractive and provide a good food source for honey bees and some native bees, and they are also edible and can add a tasty addition to salads and can even be breaded and fried.
Queen Anne’s Lace
Also known as Wild Carrot, Queen Anne’s lace is an invasive weed that features delicate white flowers in intricate, lacy clusters. Although this plant is considered invasive in some areas, it can also provide a source of food for livestock. Originally from Europe, this plant is actually the edible wild version of domestic carrots. However, you should not eat this plant as it is very hard to distinguish from the incredibly toxic poison hemlock. If you want to keep Queen Anne’s lace in your flowerbed or your cut flower garden, make sure that you get the seeds from a reputable source and cut the flowers before they can produce seeds.
Chicory
Commonly found in meadows and along roadsides, chicory displays bright blue flowers that resemble miniature daisies. Like dandelions, chicory is a native of Europe that has become a common weed in the United States. It is also in the same group of plants as the sunflower and dandelion. Chicory doesn’t compete with native plants in well-established habitats. Instead, it lives in disturbed areas like roadsides and ditches, where it sports lovely blue flowers that bees and other pollinators love. The roots of chicory can be used to make a coffee-like drink.
Spiderwort
Spiderwort is a native plant that sports lovely purple flowers on top of tall, grass-like foliage during spring and early summer. This plant is easy to grow in areas where it is naturally occurring and may become weedy or spread to areas where you don’t want it. Take precautions to control it if you plant it in a flowerbed. As it can cause a skin reaction in some people, you should be careful when you handle it.
Sunflower
Sunflowers are native to much of the United States. These lovely flowers have been bred into many different cultivars for a variety of uses from oil production and seeds to cut flowers and gardens. You can find sunflowers that will grow in nearly all parts of the country and in all sizes. If you are growing sunflowers for seeds, you will need to plant a specific kind, otherwise, you may be able to transplant or gather seeds from a native variety. Birds love the seeds from sunflowers, especially the wild versions.
Lantana
Lantana is a beautiful plant that sports showy flowers of many different colors. Unfortunately, this plant has become invasive in some areas of the United States and is posing a problem for native wildlife and plants. However, there are some native or noninvasive species of lantana that you can still enjoy in your flower garden. You should know that lantana plants produce berries that are poisonous and can be dangerous to animals including livestock.
Evening Primrose
Often classified as a wildflower or weed, evening primrose showcases yellow, fragrant blossoms that open in the late afternoon. These plants are not invasive, rather they are native plants that can spread out of their designated area when planted in flowerbeds or gardens. Oil from evening primrose has been used medicinally for years. If you plant this flower, consider deadheading the spent blooms to help keep it from aggressively reseeding.
Common Blue Violet
Often found in lawns and woodland areas, common blue violets produce charming purple or blue flowers with a sweet fragrance. These lovely and popular flowers are native to the United States and, like other members of the violet family, are edible. They do tend to reseed aggressively once they have found a habitat they can thrive in, however, so be aware that they may attempt to take over your yard. While many people don’t appreciate this tendency, others enjoy seeing happy purple flowers in their grass.
Milkweed
While considered a weed in some gardens, milkweed attracts attention with its large pink, purple, or orange flower clusters. It is an important host plant for monarch butterflies. In many areas, the population of these butterflies has rapidly declined due to the eradication of milkweed. Adult butterflies lay their eggs on milkweed plants, which are the caterpillar’s only source of food. If you want to help native wildlife, planting milkweed is one of the best ways to do that. You will be rewarded with both lovely butterflies and lovely flowers. It may take a few years for butterflies to find the plants, so be patient.
Conclusion
While some of the plants on this list are native and some are invasive, they could all be considered weeds when they occur in lawns, pastures, and ditches. However, they also offer lovely flowers and in some cases, medicinal or food uses as well. Many of these plants can become lovely garden additions if precautions are taken, and unlike many plants, require very little care.