What to know about weeds

The definition of a weed is a plant growing where it’s not wanted.

There are 250,000 species of plants worldwide; of those, about 8,000 species behave as weeds.

Weeds are successful because of characteristics like abundant seed production, long-term seed survival in the soil, fast growth and the ability to survive drought, poor soil and lack of moisture.

Weeds are a major problem in worldwide agriculture. They compete with crops for water, light, soil nutrients and space.

Weeds do have some beneficial value. They may reduce soil erosion, provide food for birds and nectar for honeybees, and are a source of soil organic matter.

For more interesting information about weeds, check out Penn State Extension’s website at shorturl.at/cYlop.

— katie martin, UC Marin Master Gardeners