The Weed You Should Actually Leave In Your Yard For Healthy Soil And Erosion Control

Weeds are a nuisance. If you've ever tended to a garden, chances are you've done your fair share of weed pulling and searching for faster weed removal hacks. It's a natural part of lawn care and is hard to avoid, but with regular landscaping, you'll often be able to control any bad infestations before they can threaten healthy grass growth. That said, contrary to popular belief, not all weeds are harmful. In fact, some can be beneficial to your yard, like the American plantain (Plantago rugelii), a low-growing perennial that's often mistaken for just another unwanted weed.

If you live in the eastern, midwestern, or southern U.S., you might've noticed this weed in your yard. With its egg-shaped leaves, greenish-white flower spikes, and distinctive white and purple stamens, American plantain is easy to spot if you're looking for it. While it may not be the most attractive plant in your yard, it's doing more important work beneath the surface. Its fibrous root system isn't just keeping itself alive; it's hard at work, helping to naturally maintain stable soil for a healthy lawn without the need for harsh chemicals.

Most of the value that American plantain offers happens underground, and you can thank its root system for the benefits you'll experience by leaving it in your yard. Because the roots are so fibrous, they help to hold the soil in place, which prevents issues like erosion. At the same time, both the fibrous roots and short taproot assist in breaking up compacted soil, which helps to create space for water and air, helping other plants' roots grow properly.

Another great benefit of this weed is that it can support other vegetation in your yard with its intricate root channels, even in places that can be environmentally challenging. These tiny underground channels help to improve drainage and allow surrounding plants better access to nutrients and beneficial microbes. All in all, leaving American plantain in your yard can offer more benefits than just removing it for aesthetic value. So, the next time you spot this weed in your yard, consider letting it be to naturally enrich the soil with no extra effort on your part.