12 Weeds That Are Actually Attractive

Mullein

“Notable for its fuzzy leaves and large flower stalks, mullein plants grow up to 7 feet tall,” DeJohn says. “The small yellow flowers on this dramatic plant are a good nectar source for pollinators.”

Found throughout the United States, mullein often grows along roadsides, parking lots and fences or any other neglected, well-drained soils. While great for pollinators, it is considered invasive as it is a prolific seed producer, so you’ll want to manage the area closely to contain spreading.

Chicory

Native to Europe, this woody, perennial plant has long been established in the U.S. and is considered invasive in some states. However, it is an attractive weed, producing “beautiful blue flowers on stalks reaching up to 4 feet tall,” DeJohn says. It attracts and supports pollinators throughout its long blooming season from mid-summer through fall.

In addition to its pretty flowers and pollinator benefits, “chicory is known for its medicinal uses and use as a coffee substitute,” Singh says. Chicory will self-seed, but is not overly aggressive, so limited control efforts should keep it contained.

Creeping Buttercups

Often found in lawns, fields and forest edges, Creeping Buttercups are a low-growing leafy weed that produces bright yellow flowers. “Creeping buttercup makes an attractive ground cover, especially in areas with moist soils,” DeJohn says. However, this variety is native to Europe and can be aggressive, spreading more than 40 sq. ft. in a single year. Singh suggests planting less invasive, native varieties like Early Buttercup (Ranunculus fascicularis) with its “beautiful, yellow flowers.”

Yarrow

“Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is native to North America and has great benefits for pollinators,” Singh says. Growing 1 to 3 feet tall, this attractive weed has feathery foliage and clusters of small, flat-topped flowers. However, “some yarrows are aggressive growers and will take over a garden,” DeJohn says. “If you want to plant yarrow, look for cultivated varieties that are more ‘well-behaved.'” Once planted, yarrow can achieve its full height within a single growing season.

Burdock

Producing interesting clusters of spiky, purple flowers that look like thistles, burdock grows in two stages. The first year it establishes roots and produces limited vegetation and flowers. The second year it sends up a tall flowering stalk that can reach 8 feet in height. It’s a prolific re-seeder and is “considered invasive in North America, especially in the Pacific Northwest and Midwest,” Singh says. Remove it entirely from your yard or cut it back before it seeds to prevent it from taking over.

Scarlet Pimpernel

A low, spreading ground cover, Scarlet Pimpernel is often found growing in fields, meadows or roadsides. This attractive weed has thin, leggy stems, bright green foliage and vibrant red and orange flowers. It grows quickly, able to generate a thick mat that can outcompete native plants. “Many weeds we see in our yards, along the roadside, and in naturalized areas are not native to North America,” Singh says. “Over time, species imported from Eurasia for their ornamental value broke the bounds of where they were planted and spread uncontrollably.” This is the case with Scarlet Pimpernel, as it is very adaptable, fast-growing and a prolific re-seeding plant that will need close attention in the garden.

Goldenrod

“With numerous species native to North America, goldenrod produces show-stopping plumes of yellow flowers that attract pollinators,” DeJohn says. Often found along roadsides and in fields, goldenrod grows quickly, reaching heights of 6 to 7 feet within a season or two. Often mistaken for ragweed, as the two bloom at the same time, goldenrod is “a keystone species with huge benefits for a wide range of pollinators,” Singh says. Native to North America, goldenrod is not considered invasive and will not overpower other plants in your yard.

Milkweed

Milkweed is a tall, attractive plant that produces clusters of small, brightly colored flowers. While not typically a cultivated plant, native milkweed “is an essential host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars,” Singh says. “It’s the only species Monarchs will lay their eggs on, so it’s critical to plant milkweed to save this species from extinction.” When planted in full sun and well-draining soil, milkweed can grow to 6 feet or more, producing flowers within a few seasons of being planted. “Some of the best choices for supporting monarchs are common milkweed, swamp milkweed, butterflyweed, and showy milkweed,” DeJohn says. Avoid tropical milkweed, which is considered invasive and problematic for Monarchs.

Queen Anne’s Lace or Wild Carrot

A fast-growing plant found in disturbed soil along roadsides, fences and forest edges, this attractive weed produces clusters of delicate white flowers with feathery leaves. Able to grow and flower in a single season, Queen Anne’s Lace is native to Europe and can be difficult to contain once established. “It’s considered invasive in many regions because it can outcompete native species,” Singh says. “There is a native version, American Wild Carrot (Daucus pusillus), which appears in the southern U.S. and has smaller flowers than the European species,” Singh says.

White Clover

This low-growing ground cover, native to Europe and Central Asia, produces white thistle-like flowers with small, triplet leaflet leaves. White clover has a long blooming season, from late spring to fall, and is a prolific pollinator attractor. It’s often used a lawn alternative as well. “[It] can be used in grass mixes because, as a legume, it fixes nitrogen and therefore needs little to no nitrogen fertilizer,” DeJohn says. Singh suggests trying native species as ground cover instead. “A few examples include bigleaf aster, common blue violet and side oats grama grass,” Singh says. Clover will spread but is not aggressive, so it will not need strict attention in lawns and gardens.

Wild Roses

Unlike cultivated roses, wild roses grow unassisted in forests and fields and along roadsides in disturbed soil. “There are several species of roses native to North America, but they might not be what come to mind when we think of a bouquet of roses or a rose bush,” Singh says. Wild roses have smaller flowers than cultivated species, and blooms can be solitary or in small clusters. While an attractive weed, “they are very invasive and should be removed, if possible,” DeJohn says. Many spread through underground suckers, quickly overtaking other vegetation.

Fleabane

A wildflower found in fields, meadows and roadsides across central and eastern North America, Fleabane can also migrate into gardens and lawns. Producing small, daisy-like flowers that bloom from late spring to fall, fleabane has also been long used to deter pests, like fleas. “The leaves release compounds that are believed to help keep unwanted insects at bay,” Singh says. With a central yellow disc and petals of white, pink or lavender, this attractive weed can crowd out other plants but is easy to manage with manual pulling.

About the Experts

• Suzanne DeJohn is a horticulturist at KidsGardening, a national non-profit organization. Since 1982, KidsGardening supports educators, families and caregivers with grant funding, original educational resources, inspiration, and community to get more kids learning through the garden.
• Trisha Singh is the Vice President of Product at Garden for Wildlife, a program run by the National Wildlife Federation, which encourages wildlife-friendly gardening spaces. Trisha is a wildlife biologist who enjoys native plant gardening and helping to support others in their native gardening pursuits.

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