Lawn Nature + Invasive Species!

[ncari_observation_team]

I agree with bedenkrick- it is a great idea, but defining the terms more exactly would be useful. It seems like what you are looking for is more like “naturalized”- which is a plant that is introduced and persists on its on in the wild, but doesn’t necessarily displace other organisms or cause economic &/or evnironmental harm. There is obviously gray area here, and this also varies regionally. I am especially interested in the “lawn weeds” as these “walkable/ mowable weeds” (native or not- as long as they aren’t invasive) seem like a way to make lawns- which aren’t going anywhere anytime soon- more sustainable and pollinator-friendly. For instance, many lawns here in coastal NC have white clover and henbit- which bloom very early and are covered with pollinators (Southern Blueberry Bees, Bumblebees, butterflies) as they are providing resources even before the first native bloomers (usually Vaccinium and Gelsimium). Not to advocate planting more lawn, but trying to make what we have not sooo sterile. Anyways, to answer the question, lawns in these parts have: white clover, henbit, hedgenettle, plantains (haven’t been able to figure out species, but there are at least 2), picris, Diodia, and Florida Pusley (Richardia), in addition to sandspurs! So basically, there is very little in my lawn that is native, but I also don’t have anything that is especially invasive in my area- except for the sandspurs. Good luck with your collection!