Today’s Thought: Are Native Plants Just a Bunch of Weeds?

by Liz Deleeuw & Cherry Dodd

Originally published in the 2022 December Issue of the WildFlower News

Some people consider native plants to be “a bunch of weeds.” Weeds are essentially plants that are not wanted In a particular setting. Weeds are often notoriously aggressive. A question of aesthetics comes into play here. It depends on your style of gardening, and your sense of beauty. To some people dandelions are not weeds, but are an important crop and beautiful too.

In the pictures below, you see “nature’s design” at an intact prairie. Most people today do not get to experience intact native landscapes. Wild bergamot and goldenrod are blooming beautifully in a diverse patch of plants that will bloom throughout the season. Adjacent to this patch, and intermingled, low milkweed is in bloom, with purple prairie clover in bud.

Low milkweed, Asclopias ovalifolia, in bloom with purple prairie clover, Dalea purpurea, in bud

Grey-stemmed goldenrod, Solidago nemoralis, and wild bergamot, Monarda fistulosa

It is impossible to recreate a native prairie, but it is possible recreate the look with a diversity of native plants. Yes, you will have to manage your bed a little by giving away plants that are spreading too quickly.

Also, your new planting will need to be weeded every year, just like an ordinary perennial bed. But, unlike an ordinary perennial bed, it will be an extraordinary ecosystem, capable of attracting and supporting birds, bees, butterflies and a wide range of interesting pollinators. It’s a wonderful adventure for those who choose to take the plunge.