Beneficial characters
.

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Weeds can also have various 'beneficial characters'. These characters include:

Weeds grow quickly over unsightly scars on the landscape caused by people or nature.
Some weeds provide excellent forage for livestock, especially in the spring.
Weeds provide shelter and food for birds and wildlife.
Weeds serve as hosts for beneficial insects and provide nectar for bees.
Weeds play an important part in nutrient cycling as they tap nutrients from the lower soil depths and return them to the soil surface as litter.
Weeds add organic matter to the soil.
Some weeds are used as food (e.g. herbs)
Weeds prevent or reduce wind and water erosion of the land.
Weeds may be the source of drugs used in tropical public health to cure headaches, skin diseases and syphilis.
Weeds have been the source of some natural pesticides (e.g. pyrethrum from chrysanthemum).
Weeds act as a source of genetic materials for crop improvement (e.g. breeding for insect pest and plant disease resistance).
Weeds may beautify the landscape. Some house and garden plants have come straight from the wild state (e.g. Bryophyllum spp.).
Weed eradication projects may provide employment for otherwise unemployed people.
Weeds which cause allergies, dermatitis and poisoning may be considered to provide physicians and veterinarians with afflicted patients.



Weeds such as Bryophyllum sp. can beautify the landscape
and provide nectar for bees.

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Steve Adkins