TO WEED OR NOT TO WEED… that is the question!

What is a weed?  "A plant out of place" is the answer given by most horticulture folks.  But what is a weed in the eyes of an ecological landscape?

Only three of the four plants shown below are what we consider to be invasive and should be managed well in the landscape.  Their escape can be time consuming the long run.

Can you guess which plant is not a weed to the eyes of an ecological landscaper? 

Check out the images below for the answer...

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a common plant found in our landscapes. Little do people know of its edibility in salads or steamed but most know even less about a dandelions ability to harness nutrients from deep in the soil they then accumulate in their leaves. A great M-O-S plant and no weed!

Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis) is a weed sold in chain nurseries still to this day. This invasive weed is pretty to look at but not after is has taken over the garden! Manage this weed by manual removal (no chemicals necessary) then mulch heavily (3-6 inches deep).

Persian Speedwell (Veronica persica) is a common landscape weed that spreads by seed. The roots are extremely fibrous and will hold the soil in place quite well. Manage this invasive pest with manual removal of entire plant BEFORE FLOWERING (or if not in flower mulch-on-site)! Then MULCH heavily!

Creeping Woodsorrel (Oxalis corniculata) is a menacing weed that spreads by underground runners and seed. The seed pods rupture when humidity levels change spreading seed everywhere. Manage this invasive pest with manual removal of all roots and creeping stems BEFORE THEY FLOWER! Then MULCH!