More precisely, with European livestock. No doubt they brought all those weeds as fodder for their animals during the crossing, and then the animals themselves seeded their new pastures. No doubt those with any foresight brought seeds of those "weeds" that were commonly a part of their own diet as well.

Legend has it that the wild mustard we see in CA was introduced by Junipero Serra to mark his trail as he explored the New World. While "seeding" fransiscan missions as well, of course! When the explorers returned to these same charted areas the following year, they found blooming mustard which created a “ribbon of gold” that they could follow.

Fascinating stuff!

It is fascinating stuff, isn't it?

And you are right about many of the plants being fodder plants. Others, of course, were pot herbs or medicinals. I love weeds.

Me too, Maggie! I wish I could sit down with you and sip some of your "weed tea" and have a nice chat sometime!

That would be fun, MamaSheepdog!