July 2022 Gardening with "Weedy" Native Plants

 

Collier County Parks & Recreation

Volunteer Newsletter July 2022

 

Gardening with “Weedy” Native Plants

By Andee Naccarato, Interim President of Naples Native Plants

 

Bidens Alba

Devoted gardeners become intimately familiar with the plants under their care. They walk through their gardens almost daily, observing how the plants grow and change. They watch the plants as they unfurl new leaves, develop flower buds, and bloom in beautiful colors. These repeated meanderings through gardens help gardeners often instantly recognize when a new (and possibly unknown) seedling appears.

Unknown plants popping up in gardens are usually classified as “weeds” and quickly pulled out. However, some of these unknown plants introducing themselves to garden spaces happen to be native to Florida. These native plant species have existed in Florida since before European colonization and provide important resources to our native wildlife.

Why would a native plant be confused with a weed? Florida is a land of dramatic natural disturbances (like hurricanes and lightning-induced fires). Some native plants act as “pioneers” by being the first to germinate and inhabit disturbed areas. Even relatively small disturbances, like turning over the soil in our gardens or digging out an old shrub, invite those native pioneer species to appear.

Bidens Alba Seeds

One example of a pioneer or “weedy” native is the wildflower known as beggarticks (Bidens alba), often called Spanish needles in southwest Florida. (Note: Although called “Spanish” needles, this wildflower is a Florida native.) This daisy-like flower is a member of  the sunflower family (Asteraceae). The common name refers to the needle-like seeds the plant produces to start its next generation. Many gardeners are not too fond of Spanish needles because of its tendency   to spread widely and how easily the pointy seeds stick to gloves, shirt sleeves, and shoelaces.

Is there any reason to keep Spanish needles on your property? Yes! This native wildflower is one of the most popular nectar plants for pollinators, including butterflies and bees. For butterflies, at least 27 species have been observed drinking nectar from Spanish needles in southwest Florida.

Furthermore, Spanish needles is the host plant for a small yellow butterfly known as the dainty sulphur. While the dainty sulphur could visit a variety of flowers to sip nectar, females specifically seek out Spanish needles when they are ready to lay eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the caterpillars eat the leaves of Spanish needles before transforming into butterflies.

Is it possible to provide Spanish needles for pollinators and keep a tidy garden? Yes, it is possible with frequent attention to the Spanish needles. Designate a certain spot in your garden (or a less visible corner of your backyard) where Spanish needles can persist. As a fast-grower, this wildflower responds well to pruning (or even mowing). Remove spent flower heads before the needle-like seeds appear to prevent Spanish needles from spreading. This wildflower blooms year-round, so be sure to observe your Spanish needles at least weekly for the appearance of seeds.

Although Spanish needles (and other “weedy” natives) may not meet every gardener’s expectations for a lovely garden specimen, more and more gardeners are embracing their roles as environmental stewards. Gardeners who include native plants, even the pioneer species, in their gardens are providing food and resources to pollinators and other native wildlife. Thankfully, with the right approach, the actions of every gardener can help restore the natural environment in our communities.