City of Davis

Weeds are simply plants that are undesirable where they are growing. They take the light and nutrients needed by the other plants which results in limited growth of the wanted plants. Weeds are known to be unsightly, however some weeds, such as Corncockle (shown below), are used as garden plants. This flower was a common field weed but, due to its beauty, is now used as a garden plant.

Some weeds, on the other hand, have thorns or prickles or can even be poisonous such as Oleander (shown below) that can lead to skin irritation if touched. They can also attach to clothes as well as animal fur.