Homeowners and gardeners alike spend so much time trying to get their homes and gardens weed-free. Weeds can be found growing anywhere, even in sand (but yes, you can prevent those, too).
However, did you know that not all weeds are bad?
There is quite a few flowering weeds that often trick people into thinking they are a desirable garden’s plant, and some may be in your garden right now!
We have compiled some of the prettiest looking weeds that you may not want to spray with weed killer!
1. Morning Glory
Morning glory has gorgeous trumpet-shaped flowers that are a rich blue color.
They frequently bloom along garden fences or other outdoor structures, and certainly do not resemble a weed in any way.
If you want to attract things like bees and butterflies to your yard, then you want to leave this weed alone.
But once the flowers set seed, things can get out of hand especially in places like your veggie patch.
2. Black Nightshades
Black nightshades thrive in rich soil.
Black nightshades typically will be found in lawns and they look like they are a bushy plant.
They are also known for climbing and have an immense assortment of purple that has white flowers as well.
In some cases, these weeds can produce fruit in red or purple pennies.
But to not tempt yourself to eat them, they as well as all other areas of the weed are poisonous. So we would not recommend having them in the garen.
3. Evening Primrose
The common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) is native to the USA and is identified as a weed that has therapeutic properties.
This biennial plant is interesting because it is nocturnal for its growing season.
The flowers will have four yellow petals and will bloom in the evening time before wilting in the morning light.
Some people may consider the evening primrose to be a wildflower, it is in the weed category. But we are leaving it right there for its joyful beauty!
4. St John’s Wort
St John’s Wort is another herb that is recognized for its alternative therapies, and it is a pretty weed.
It sports beautiful yellow flowers, and will grow in any area of Asia and Europe.
However, St John’s Wort has naturalized across sections of America, and it has been used for a long time for a treatment for wounds.
If you want a filler plant in your garden this weed will definitely do that – but bear in mind, things can get away from you quickly because St John’s Wort spreads very fast, and is often categorized as an invasive.
5. Chicory
Chicory in North America can be quite common with its eye-level height and blue flowers – you’d be forgiven for thinking this was not a weed.
While some varieties are used in salads such as endive and radicchio.
In the second world war chicory roots were used in place of coffee – and in some cultures this is still a thing.
Again: There are many people who would see this as a wildflower – than a weed although both an alien species only time will tell.
6. Common Ragwort
The leaves of the common ragwort are a lovely blue/green color that are matched with lovely star-shaped yellow flowers.
While they may appear beautiful, these weeds will quickly take over.
For this reason we recommend as soon as you spot them, remove them.
In addition, the leaves have toxins that can irritate human skin, so be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands while removing the weeds.
7. English Ivy
You probably would see English Ivy running down the walls of some fancy mansion, or even climbing up some old Oak tree (but you can easily kill and remove the ivy).
What a lovely looking weed, however all of that loveliness aside, English Ivy is very easy to spread in an area and take over.
If Ivy happens to be climbing on a tree, it will make it all the way up where it can cause damage to the leaves, and also cast an area below the tree into a dark place where very little plant life can survive.
It’s even by chance that a few trimmings, dropped on the ground and will then root themselves and grow into full plants.
8. Violets
A lot of folks think violets are actually a true flowering plant but sadly they fall into the category of a weed, no matter how pretty they are.
These perennial weeds produce some cute purple or white flowers and typically show up in thin areas of your lawn.
Violets like shaded areas but they can spread, So once you;
notice them it’s better to remove, treat or at the very least trim them back.
9. Henbits
These weeds go into winter hiding and then produce beautiful purple or pink flowers on top of the green.
The henbit weeds may be classified as a weed, however, it’s totally fine to have them in your garden as they won’t take over nearly as fast as other weeds.
That being said: If they are left alone, they will take over your yard so it’s a good idea to stay on this.
10. Chinese Wisteria
While Chinese wisteria is indeed beautiful in bloom and arguably the most beautiful flowering weeds there is, it does come with its own drawbacks.
When they go to seed, these weeds are going to multiply and can even take over local woodlands and other areas.
You’ll often find it sold in your local garden center nursery but if you want to have it in your garden, you better plan on some serious pruning and maintenance with it.
And planting it in a pot or container won’t stop it from spreading; it will spread!
11. Mint
That’s right!
Those wonderfully fragrant herbs that often are part of your garden are actually a weed!
Now we’re not saying that it’s time to dig up your entire herb garden , but just keep in mind that all kinds of mint are super aggressive and will spread if not managed.
The best way to prevent that from happening if to plant in a container.
12. Queen Anne’s Lace
You’ve likely noticed a plant named Queen Anne’s lace growing in many different locations.
This common weed is a broad spreading plant with white flowers that look like the plant is covered in white lace, hence, the name.
Usually you can find it on roadsides and in the summer, along the edges of fields and meadows. It is a native of Asia and Europe, but currently it naturally occurs throughout Canada and the USA.
It’s interesting to note that this particular weed is closely related to the carrot. In fact, it is possible to eat the roots, while they are young of course.
If you decide to gather Queen Anne’s lace, do be careful because this plant is very similar to Poison Hemlock.
13. Daisy Weeds
Everyone sees the common daisy as a flower, and it can be found every spring in the lawns of humans around the world.
But did you know this is a flowering weed?
It has a bright yellow pollen center and delicate white petals.
They look great, but the problem is that they can take over your lawn, and they are difficult to get ride of.
You can certainly invest in specific tools for the removal of these weeds instead of simply mowing them, because this isn’t much of an effective kill for daises.
14. Field Bindweed
You may have trouble telling the difference between field bindweed and morning glory, but they are completely different plants.
While they do have a similar flower color, the shapes are slightly different as their flowers open in a bell shape versus trumpet like with the morning glory.
You will often see field bindweed in road ditches and fields, but they can easily invade your garden!
Some people will plant field bindweed in a pot but be careful to not just allow it to spread!
If planted in the ground, the deep rooting habit mean you will have to dig out the roots to avoid the plant coming back; some roots can remain dormant in the ground for 20 years before they emerge so you may not even know it is there!
15. Oxalis
At first glance, you might mistake oxalis for clover, but don’t be deceived!
The leaves are definitely similar, but the flowers of the oxalis plant are far different.
These weeds have yellow, cup-shaped flowers that bloom in summer and again in fall.
These weeds are tough; they flourish in every type of weather, and can be found in shade or sun. It’s not uncommon to find them popping up in your yard.
The only way to prevent them is to put down a lot of mulch.
16. Goldenrod
Did you know that there are over 60 types of goldenrod in the United States?
These little weeds have a plume shape and spiky yellow flowers, and they frequently grow along the road on the verge (as well as in meadows or fields).
Typically late summer, goldenrod is associated with the change to fall for most people.
This is why they are often used in fall floral arrangements.
Unfortunately, they are not a good plant for the garden, so if you see them, get rid of them.
17. Creeping Thistle
If you just seeded your yard then there is a good chance that you may see a creeping thistle.
These weeds have light purple flowers and spiky leaves.
They can be very prickly on the feet and you are gonna want to get these off your yard, especially if you want to protect those little piggies!
18. Milkweed
The milkweed plant clearly has a clue in its name that it is not just a simple plant though the purple or pink flowers can make one think otherwise.
There is no doubt in my mind these weeds attract butterflies, so if you’re looking to attract butterflies to your garden, then maybe having milkweed is not so bad after all!
19. Devil’s Snare
You might hear this weed referred to as Jimsonweed but they’re one of the same and the name devil’s snare is certainly appropriate.
These weeds have really something to miss your eyes nocturnal flowers that can either be white or light purple.
But, let’s be clear – they do contain a hallucinogenic chemical which is very toxic so we would never advocate leaving the plant in your garden.
Fortunately: They are usually only found in Central America so they probably won’t be an issue for most homeowners.
20. Fleabane
Fleabane is a small flower that closely resembles the daisy.
The flower has a yellow middle with lots of little white petals around the edge, which bloom from spring until fall.
They are usually found from your woodlands to fields and along edges of roads.
They make good wildflowers, but might be a bit more difficult to control as a garden plant, so plant with care!
Conclusion
Seriously, it’s crazy how many cool flowering plants are actually weeds!
Some can be grown safely in your garden and others might be toxic and ruin plants nearby.
How many have you grown in your garden?