,This blog will focus on plants that are commonly found in urban areas. The majority of the species described in this blog, but not all, are often considered weeds. But what really is a weed? I define a weed as a plant that was not intentionally planted and is usually considered undesirable.
Why focus on weedy plants? Well, my research in Salt Lake City has shown that, in a typical yard, 30% of the species are considered weeds. Although weedy, these plants add diversity and beauty to our urban surroundings, and same species are common to many urban areas, creating an urban flora. Since these plants are so ubiquitous, most urbanites and suburbanites cannot avoid them. So let's get to know them!
It is my hope that by becoming acquainted with these species, we will become "Urban Naturalists". For me personally, I notice urban nature around me more when I can identify the plants. I started this blog to share my knowledge and hopefully increase our appreciation for the nature surrounding us in our cities. If we know the nature of our home city, chances are that we will know the nature of most cities worldwide. (Common weeds in Salt Lake City were also common in Istanbul).
Some disclaimers:
Why focus on weedy plants? Well, my research in Salt Lake City has shown that, in a typical yard, 30% of the species are considered weeds. Although weedy, these plants add diversity and beauty to our urban surroundings, and same species are common to many urban areas, creating an urban flora. Since these plants are so ubiquitous, most urbanites and suburbanites cannot avoid them. So let's get to know them!
It is my hope that by becoming acquainted with these species, we will become "Urban Naturalists". For me personally, I notice urban nature around me more when I can identify the plants. I started this blog to share my knowledge and hopefully increase our appreciation for the nature surrounding us in our cities. If we know the nature of our home city, chances are that we will know the nature of most cities worldwide. (Common weeds in Salt Lake City were also common in Istanbul).
Some disclaimers:
- The plants described here have been identified to the best of my ability, but I am not 100% sure of all the species. This is because I do not have the skills of a dedicated botanist to confirm the identity of these plants. Instead, I have used many on-line resources, spoken with local botanists, and relied heavily on the book, Weeds of California and other Western States, by Joseph M DiTomaso and Evelyn A. Healy. I love this book and highly recommend it to anyone as obsessed with weeds as I am.
- If you are in the Northeast and are interested in weedy plants, I recommend Wild Urban Plants of the Northeast, a field guide, by Peter Del Tredici.
- If you notice I have misidentified a species, please let me know. I really would like to learn.
- Unless noted otherwise, I took all the pictures.
- I will not provide advice on how to remove these species. As stated above, I consider weeds to be a part of an urban flora, and there are already many websites dedicated to eradicating weeds.