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Original poster

What is this weed?

11 replies

SpacePotato · 19/07/2023 11:31

Can anyone tell me what this is please?
This year it has just exploded across my garden.
I seems to grow very quickly no matter how much I remove it.

It has got into all my pots, gravel paths, cracks between slabs and even into the hanging baskets.

Averages around 20 -25 cm

What is this weed?
OP posts:
TomatoSandwiches · 19/07/2023 11:37

Looks very similar to a Balsam plant, not 100% but closest from the top of my head.

NanTheWiser · 19/07/2023 11:45

It’s a Willowherb, not sure which one, but they spread everywhere! Pull up all you can see.

Original poster
SpacePotato · 19/07/2023 11:57

Thanks.

Seems like 2 different types but with the same buds. Never had them before this year.

What is this weed?
OP posts:
toochesterdraws · 19/07/2023 17:05

Yes, willowherb - it self seeds and spreads like a bastard. Pull it all up.

TheGriffle · 19/07/2023 17:07

Willowherb. Good food if you have a tortoise!

ErrolTheDragon · 19/07/2023 17:14

There are several types of willowherb; normal and greater rosebay willowherb have quite nice flowers but never let them go to seed. Yours are some other type though. Just keep pulling them up.

AdoraBell · 19/07/2023 17:15

We have them too, I’ve been pulling them up.

ErrolTheDragon · 19/07/2023 17:24

What surprises me is that you've never had them before, OP!

MereDintofPandiculation · 20/07/2023 10:59

normal and greater rosebay willowherb have quite nice flowers but never let them go to seed. Greater willowherb and Rosebay willowherb are two different species (Epilobium hirsutum and Chaemerion angustifolium). Or were you thinking of normal as being “normal rosebay willowherb” and Greater Willowherb as “greater rosebay willowherb”?

OP, you won’t be able to id yours without seeing the flowers (it’s not one of the two above). The one on the L is likely to be the same, just grown in poorer soil.

ErrolTheDragon · 20/07/2023 11:04

MereDintofPandiculation · 20/07/2023 10:59

normal and greater rosebay willowherb have quite nice flowers but never let them go to seed. Greater willowherb and Rosebay willowherb are two different species (Epilobium hirsutum and Chaemerion angustifolium). Or were you thinking of normal as being “normal rosebay willowherb” and Greater Willowherb as “greater rosebay willowherb”?

OP, you won’t be able to id yours without seeing the flowers (it’s not one of the two above). The one on the L is likely to be the same, just grown in poorer soil.

Yes ... I'd not realised they were different species , that's what whoever taught me wildflower names in the dim and distant told called them!

You live and learn, especially on this board from @MereDintofPandiculation !Grin

Original poster
SpacePotato · 22/07/2023 15:08

Thanks all.
I've pulled out all I could find for now but it grows fast.

What surprises me is that you've never had them before, OP!

Mostly paved yard with a few mature shrubs and a trees in the corner. No grass. Well maintained before we moved in. 😭 still learning and the only other plants and flowers are in pots that I've planted.

The one on the L is likely to be the same, just grown in poorer soil

The left one came out of a neglected hanging basket I haven't filled this year. The right was from a crack between the paving slabs.

OP posts:
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