Florida’s landscapes are filled with plants that many gardeners dismiss as weeds. But what if some of these so-called nuisances were actually beneficial—either to us, to wildlife, or to the health of the garden itself? Many native “weeds” are not only edible but serve vital roles in the ecosystem, supporting pollinators, improving soil health, and even offering medicinal benefits. Before you reach for the weed killer, take a closer look at some of Florida’s most overlooked yet valuable plants.
Spanish Needle (Bidens alba) – The Pollinator Magnet
If you’ve ever walked through a Florida field or along a roadside and found tiny burr-like seeds clinging to your socks, you’ve encountered Spanish needle. While its seeds may be a nuisance, this native wildflower is a powerhouse for pollinators. Butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects flock to its small white flowers, making it an essential food source year-round.
✅ Why Keep It?
- One of Florida’s best nectar plants for butterflies and native bees.
- Young leaves are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked.
- Used in traditional herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) – A Superfood in Disguise
Purslane is a low-growing, succulent-like plant that pops up in garden beds and sidewalk cracks. Often dismissed as an annoying weed, it’s actually one of the most nutrient-dense greens you can eat. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, purslane is considered a superfood in many cultures.
✅ Why Keep It?
- Highly nutritious and can be eaten raw in salads or sautéed like spinach.
- Drought-tolerant and thrives in poor soil, making it an easy, no-maintenance crop.
- Helps prevent soil erosion with its spreading growth habit.
Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora) – The Lawn Alternative
Looking for a ground cover that requires little water, mowing, or care? Frogfruit might be the answer. This creeping native plant forms a dense mat of tiny green leaves and produces delicate pinkish-white flowers that attract pollinators. It thrives in sandy Florida soil and can handle foot traffic, making it an excellent alternative to traditional turf grass.
✅ Why Keep It?
- A great choice for eco-friendly lawns and pathways.
- Provides nectar for butterflies, including the white peacock and common buckeye.
- Requires little water and improves soil stability.
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis) – A Medicinal Treasure
Florida’s elderberry bushes grow wild along roadsides, ditches, and forest edges. In summer, they produce clusters of dark purple berries that have been used in herbal medicine for centuries. Elderberries are rich in antioxidants and are commonly made into syrups, teas, and tinctures to support immune health.
✅ Why Keep It?
- Berries are used in homemade syrups and jams (but must be cooked before eating).
- Flowers are edible and can be made into teas or fritters.
- Provides food for birds and serves as an important wildlife habitat.
Dollarweed (Hydrocotyle spp.) – A Natural Mulch Indicator
Dollarweed, with its round, coin-like leaves, thrives in moist conditions and often takes over lawns and garden beds. While many see it as a pest, it actually signals healthy, nutrient-rich soil and can be a useful ground cover in areas prone to erosion.
✅ Why Keep It?
- Helps retain moisture in sandy soil.
- Edible in small amounts—its leaves have a mild, refreshing taste.
- Supports wetland ecosystems by stabilizing soil near ponds and lakes.
Embracing Florida’s “Weeds”
Before pulling up every unfamiliar plant in your yard, take a moment to learn about its benefits. Many of Florida’s so-called weeds are valuable allies, offering food, medicine, and habitat for wildlife. Instead of fighting against nature, consider working with it—letting some of these plants grow where they’re beneficial while keeping them in check where necessary.
By recognizing the role these wild plants play, we can create more sustainable, low-maintenance gardens that support biodiversity while adding unexpected beauty and function to our landscapes.