Getting Real About Weeds
Written by Rachel Fernandez
UHC Executive Director Michael Repkin doesn’t like the term “weeds.”
Usually when people talk about “weeds,” they’re referring to the plants that grow in a place where they’re not wanted to grow. Many of what we consider “weeds,” however, have an interesting start.
Over generations, travelers would carry the seeds of plants they knew would grow in almost any conditions and environments. They knew they would need food and fuel, so migrants brought along the seeds they could unequivocally rely on to help sustain life. They’d even sew those seeds into their clothes so in the event they lost everything, they still had plants that could keep them alive. And that’s why plants like dandelions can be found almost anywhere around the planet.
So what do we call them if we don’t want to use the word “weeds?” Maybe “atypical botanical entities?” Or “unusual culinary delights?”
“To a certain extent, what we call weeds are actually domesticated plants,” Repkin says.
Cool, so let’s go with that for now!
So, maybe you’re trying to grow a lavish patch of basil or a prized tomato plant, and some pesky lamb’s quarters -- a common domesticated plant also known as white goosefoot -- seems to be getting in the way. Before you start uprooting it (or worse, dowsing your plants with weed killer that could contain harmful chemicals) consider what you might be throwing away.
Lamb’s Quarter (in the Chenopodium genus), also known as Goosefoot, is commonly found in North America and usually considered a “weed”.
Lamb’s quarters is an excellent alternative to growing spinach in the Chicago environment where the leafy green struggles. The nutritious domesticated plant contains:
High levels of fiber
High levels of protein
Calcium
Iron
Vitamins A and C
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
Once harvested, you can sauté the leaves in olive oil, throw them in a stew, or even dry them down and crush them into a powder to add to baked goods.
Lamb’s quarters is only the beginning. Everything from Jerusalem artichoke to amaranth to burdock -- all thought to be invasive to gardens and lawns -- are actually full of potential. Other than being edible and nutritious, they can also be used as building materials, fuel for fire, and medicinal purposes. But they still get plucked.
Velvet Leaf, also known as Butter Button (Abutilon theophrasti). Its seeds are edible and while it was introduced to North America for its fiber, it never become a cash crop and finds itself cursed by the farmers.
“Our ancestors would think that we’re completely batshit crazy because here are these plants that kept our ancestors alive, and we’re killing them,” Repkin says.
In UHC’s effort in the great rebranding of “weeds,” the first step is getting information out there. Just showing and telling people what these domesticated plants that are easy to grow (in the right conditions) can do for them can make an influence. DePaul students began growing domesticated plants in plots and pots after a UHC presentation on their benefits.
Nothing compares to hands-on experience, however, so Repkin often takes people on walks where he’ll show them which domesticated plants are edible, how to eat them, gives them the nutrition information, and lists out more of their uses.
Can you imagine turning this…
…into delicious daylily poppers?
UHC has also hosted large meals where they make a specific domesticated plant the star ingredient and test out several different ways to cook it. A Jerusalem artichoke menu could have everything from hash browns to chili to chips to even breads and cakes. It’s all about getting creative with cooking techniques and the resources available.
“If you see these things and understand their value, why wouldn’t people want to grow them?” Repkin says.
Check out the post about DePaul students work here.
If you or your organization would like to learn more about domesticated plants, please contact us here!