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Weed or valuable plant?

MaSamMaSam Posts: 22
in Wildlife gardening
The plant in the foreground appeared unexpectedly in our border. Can anyone help identify it? Could it be from a seed escaped from a birdseed ball? Thanks, MaSam

Posts

  • GrannybeeGrannybee Posts: 332
    I think It is called Jack O’ Noon but I don’t know it’s proper name. The flowers open up early in the day and then close at mid day. Useful source of pollen for bees and hover flies.
  • Joy*Joy* Posts: 571
    Seed heads are lovely but it once you let it seed freely you will never be rid of it and it will take over so do be careful,  it is a pest.
  • MaSamMaSam Posts: 22
    Thanks so much to you both! That's indeed. According to Wikepedia this is also called Meadow Salsify or Tragopogon pratensis. Thanks for the warning too. I think I will not give it too much room to spread. : -)
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    It pulls out easily and you only have to stop it seeding if you get too many. Grannybbe has the right attitude :) 


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • Fishy65Fishy65 Posts: 2,276
    Have to agree with Grannybee and Nut on this. I've found it self seeds quite gently and it's 'going to bed at noon' is a quite delightful feature  :)
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