As spring blooms across New Mexico, many homeowners find themselves facing a familiar foe: weeds. But what exactly are these weeds, where do they come from, and are they as much of a nuisance as they seem?

Unveiling New Mexico’s Weedy Residents

Maria Thomas, curator of plants for the ABQ BioPark, sheds light on some of the common weeds found in the state. Among them are Russian thistle, plantains, and dandelions. These invasive species often make their way into the area through grain crops and bird dispersal.

Beyond Nuisance: The Benefits of Weeds

Contrary to popular belief, some of these weeds offer benefits. For instance, plantain weeds are not only medicinal and edible but also high in fiber, serving as a key ingredient in products like Metamucil. Additionally, plantains serve as host plants for butterflies, while dandelions support bees by flowering early in the season.

Weeds as Pollinator Plants

Thomas emphasizes that many plants considered weeds, such as dandelions, plantains, globemallows, and nightshades, play crucial roles as pollinator plants. Understanding their importance and allowing them to thrive can promote pollinator populations.

Embracing Diversity in Landscaping

Instead of viewing weeds as solely nuisances, Thomas suggests embracing a diverse landscape that includes pollinators and edible plants. Modern lawn care emphasizes holistic approaches that prioritize ecosystem health over pristine appearances.

Weed Management Tips

For those keen on weed control, Thomas advises early intervention when weeds are no taller than three inches and still green. Mechanical removal is preferable to blanket spraying, which can harm desirable plants. It’s crucial to discard weeds properly to prevent seed spread.

Identifying Weeds in New Mexico

Below is a list of weed and weed-like plants commonly found in New Mexico, categorized by their uses and habitats:

Happening Now:

• Cheatgrass
• NEWS.ORG tail barley
• Mustards (London rocket)
• Dandelion

Edible/Medicinal:

• Common plantain
• Dandelion
• Mallows
• Russian thistle/tumbleweed
• Purslane
• London Rocket
• Goathead
• Chickweed
• Prickly lettuce
• Henbit
• Lamb’s quarters
• Wild tarragon

Pollinator Habitat:

• Common plantain
• Dandelion
• Albuquerque dalea
• Scarlet globemallow
• Silver-leaf nightshade
• Asters
• Horseweed

Native ABQ Wildflowers and Grasses:

• ABQ dalea
• Scarlet globemallow
• Thelesperma
• Black grama grass
• Ricegrass
• Silver-leaf nightshade
• Horsetail milkweed
• Sand penstemon
• Dogbane
• Annual sunflower
• Broom snakeweed

Conclusion: Nurturing a Natural Balance

In the battle against weeds, understanding their ecological roles and embracing diversity in landscaping can lead to healthier, more resilient ecosystems. By taking a holistic approach to weed management, homeowners can promote biodiversity and support pollinator populations. Remember, a weed may be more than just an unwelcome intruder—it could be a vital component of a thriving ecosystem.

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