Weeds caused a week of interesting conversations at an event. We call them weeds, are they really though? Let’s dive in and find out. What makes a weed a weed?

I brought a bouquet from my garden as I often do. A big bouquet of sunflowers and some goldenrod as a filler. The comments were off the chart of how beautiful, gorgeous, stunning, to list a few. Until some recognized the goldenrod. Then their elation dwindled. Some psychosomatic sniffles happened as a consequence. 

Here’s a Little Info on These Weeds: The Goldenrod (Solidago)

• Goldenrod is considered an allergen, Not so true! 
• It blooms the same time as RAGWEED that its pollen is a high allergen. But we blame goldenrod. 
• The entire plant is highly medicinal being it used in teas, tinctures, or powder form. As an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal.
• It is the final and most important food source for bees before their winter hibernation. 
• It is native to North America. It was here long before us. 
• It requires little or no nutrients to survive hence not leaching the soil of beneficial nutrients for other plants. 
•  It is cultivated and sold by farmers to florists as a filler flower just like as the prized baby’s breath. 
• It is of the daisy family and who doesn’t like daisies? I know some people don’t. 
• Is most often seen as a roadside cropping as it eradicates soil erosion. 
• Its flowers are used as a textile dye and as paint pigments. 

What Classifies a Weed a Weed? 

The term “weed” is typically applied to any plant that is unwanted and growing out of place. Most, if not all, garden plants, whether grown for food or their flowers, started as weeds. Over time, we began to appreciate their beauty, nutritional value, flavor, or medicinal properties. Consequently, we cultivated them in human-controlled environments, thus removing their “weed” status.

For instance, the tomato was once considered a weed, native to South America. It took centuries of cultivation and appreciation for its culinary potential before it became the beloved fruit we know today. Similarly, dandelions, often dismissed as pesky weeds, are used in salads, teas, and even as a coffee substitute due to their nutritional benefits.

Weeds with Known Allergens

However, just as with any other plant, it’s crucial to remember that people can be allergic to anything, including what was once considered a weed. For example, goldenrod, often mistaken for a weed, is sometimes blamed for hay fever, though ragweed, which blooms at the same time, is usually the culprit. Despite this misconception, goldenrod has medicinal uses, such as treating inflammation and urinary disorders.

Returning to the broader perspective on allergies, it’s fascinating that humans can even be allergic to themselves. This phenomenon, known as autoimmunity, occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are examples where the body’s defense mechanism becomes its own worst enemy.

This brings us to an important point about cultivating plants, whether they were once considered weeds or not: awareness and consideration of potential allergies. While the beauty of a flower arrangement, like the goldenrod bouquet, can be admired, it’s essential to be mindful of those with sensitivities.

A Weeds Benefit To the Insect World

In addition to their beauty and practical uses, many former weeds play a significant role in our ecosystems. They provide habitats and food for various wildlife, contribute to soil health, and support pollinators. For example, milkweed is vital for the survival of monarch butterflies, serving as their primary food source during the larval stage. With the collection of its pollen, bees harvest it bringing it to their hives to survive winter until spring.

As we continue to discover and utilize the benefits of plants, it’s essential to shift our perspective on what constitutes a weed. What was once considered a nuisance can often be an untapped resource with numerous advantages. By embracing a more inclusive approach to gardening and plant cultivation, we can enhance our environments and promote biodiversity.

So, When Are Weeds No Longer Weeds?

Moreover, understanding the historical context of plants can enrich our appreciation for them. Many of the plants we now cherish in our gardens were once overlooked or even eradicated. Recognizing their journey from weed to cherished plants shows the dynamic relationship between humans and nature.

So as we can see, The term “weed” is fluid and subjective, shaped by cultural, practical, and environmental factors. Plants that were once disregarded have proven their worth through beauty, utility, and ecological importance. As we continue to explore and appreciate the plant kingdom, it’s crucial to remain open-minded and consider the potential benefits of every plant, even those initially deemed undesirable. This mindset not only enriches our lives but also fosters a deeper connection with the natural world around us.

Fortunately, in this instance, at the event, the bouquet was gorgeous and no one needed to use an epi-pen.

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References

1. Wikipedia: Golden Rod
2. Solidago: In Flora of North America Editorial Committee
3. Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
4. Nitrogen fixation in association with the root systems of goldenrods (Solidago). 
5. Solidago L. Plants of the World Online.