weedy

Weedy is an informal term used in botany, agriculture, and horticulture to describe plants or other organisms considered undesirable in a given setting, such as croplands, gardens, or lawns. A weedy plant is typically one that spreads rapidly, tolerates a wide range of conditions, and competes efficiently with desirable species for light, water, and nutrients. The term is not taxonomic; many unrelated species may be called weedy in different regions.

Characteristics and life history: Weedy plants often have high fecundity, short generation times, and resilient seed banks or vegetative propagules. They frequently colonize disturbed soils and can persist through management attempts. They can be annual, biennial, or perennial.

Ecological and economic impact: They can reduce crop yields, degrade pastures, or outcompete native species, creating ecological and economic costs. They may require integrated management strategies.

Management: Prevention (clean equipment, seed-free material), cultural controls (crop rotation, dense planting, mulch), mechanical removal, and selective herbicides, used in an integrated weed management plan. Care to minimize resistance and environmental harm.

Examples: Common weedy species include Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), Digitaria sanguinalis (crabgrass), Convolvulus arvensis (field bindweed), and Stellaria media (common chickweed); however, context matters, and these plants may be valued in some settings.

See also: weed, invasive species, weed management.