Eating Weeds and Invasive Species

BY: AMY KIKUCHI 

Social Media Coordinator, CYBN 
​Amy has a Master of Environmental Science from the University of Toronto and is passionate about harvesting healthy and delicious plants found around Ontario. Check out her website @ ecpickings for more content! 

1. What are weeds?

When I started on this adventure, I was under the same impression that most of us are — that weeds are bad and must be removed! But “weeds” are simply a social construct based on our perception. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a weed is “a plant that is not valued where it is growing and is usually of vigorous growth”. But there are actually many weeds, like dandelions, that are edible or consumable in other ways.

2. What are Invasive Species? 
 
This concept may be new to you, but it already dominates your environment. Invasive species are defined by the Government of Canada as “harmful alien species whose introduction or spread threatens the environment, the economy, or society, including human health”. This introduction may be on purpose, such as bringing in an ornamental plant, or by accident, such as through ballast water.

My hope is to increase knowledge and awareness about invasive species, as well as share best management practices. In the photo from the upper left going clockwise is Dog-Strangling Vine, Phragmites, Japanese Knotweed, and Garlic Mustard. Do you recognize any of them?
 
To learn more about Invasive Species in Ontario, check this out: www.invadingspecies.com

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⁠Disclaimer: Do not consume any wild plant unless you are 100% sure of its identification. Be sure you are picking from non-polluted areas, away from roads, and where no pesticides or other contaminants may have been used. Consult your doctor before consuming wild plants.