That warning is usually about a specific useful wild plant, but without a name or picture it’s impossible to be certain which one you mean.
Several common garden “weeds” people say this about include:
- Purslane (succulent leaves, often creeping low to the ground) — edible, rich in omega-3s
- Plantain (broad or narrow leaf rosette) — traditionally used for skin irritation and bites
- Nettle — stinging plant, but edible when cooked and highly nutritious
- Milkweed — important for butterflies, especially monarchs
These plants are often removed as weeds, but they can actually be beneficial for food, medicine, or biodiversity.
If you want a precise answer, share:
- a photo, or
- a description (leaf shape, size, flower, where it grows)
Then I can tell you exactly whether it’s something worth keeping or removing.