On Page 2 our weed ID efforts led us to two weeds deemed "good" due to their appearance (among other criteria). More beneficial weeds will be considered on the present page.
Beneficial Weeds: Low-Maintenance Ground Covers
11. Moss Plants
The very presence of moss in your lawn sends a clear signal as to what your lawn is lacking. In some cases, it is simply sunshine that is lacking -- a problem you may not be able to correct very easily. In other cases, you can easily enough supply the missing ingredient (e.g., fertilizer). But before you go through a lot of trouble, consider the possibility that moss may simply be the preferred ground cover for your "problem area." For more information on moss plants as a low-maintenance landscaping alternative to grass, please see the following resource:
12. Clovers
In this article I ask you to "picture the ideal living carpet of green." I further ask, "What qualities would it have?" I then answer my own question. Surprisingly, based on the qualities considered, it is clover, not grass, that turns out to be the living carpet of your dreams. So why are you trying to get rid of this low-maintenance landscaping alternative to grass? For more information on clovers, please see the following resource:
Beneficial Weeds: These Plants Are Edible
13. Dandelion Weeds
Like crabgrass, the dandelion is so common a lawn weed that most people need little weed-ID help to recognize it. Also like crabgrass, homeowners spend millions of dollars and countless hours every year trying to eradicate it from lawns. But that's where the similarities end. Dandelions are rather easy on the eye for the most part, and they are edible weeds: the nutritious greens can be harvested, cooked and served at mealtime. For more information on dandelion weeds, please see the following resource:
14. Purslane
While one cooks dandelion greens before serving them (to remove some of the bitterness), succulent purslane can just as easily be eaten raw in salads. It's trendy now to serve purslane at upscale restaurants, so why not save some money and eat your own at home? For more information on purslane, please see the following resource:
