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Identify please

linzi64uklinzi64uk Posts: 89
in Plants
Hi everybody. Can someone please tell me what this plant is. I've not been on here for ages, we have now cleared a very overgrown garden but have created a wold area for bees, butterflies etc. My hubby found a packet of seeds that just said meadow plants (no picture or instructions etc) Apart from marigolds which I think were already in the soil, we got this plant, I have tried Google without any success. I should have come on here in the first place😊.

Posts

  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307
    edited July 2020
    Reminds me of one of the Sow thistles, Sonchus oleraceus.
  • linzi64uklinzi64uk Posts: 89
    Thank you Palustris, it does look like a thistle ( just not as sharp lol) Can I ask, does it go wild & strangle anything around it? I admit, it's not the prettiest plant I have seen but if the insects like it I will keep it & try to manage it.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Looks like a sow thistle to me too ... a great favourite of pet rabbits  :)  
    The pollinator insects will like the flowers but don't let it develop seeds whatever you do ... you'll have it all over the place next year and not only you but your neighbouring gardeners will be annoyed.   ;)

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • linzi64uklinzi64uk Posts: 89
    Thank you Dovefromabove. I thought that might be the case, so I'm guessing to de-head straight after it has flowered? I'm thinking it might be a bye bye sow thistle once it has fed the bees etc. Once dug up, can I put it on the compost?? Unless I can find some pet rabbits to give it too😀
  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307
    Dove is correct, it is a seed weed from you know where. Don't put any flower buds or seed heads on the compost heap, but the leaves and stem can be used. I would not put the roots in either.
  • linzi64uklinzi64uk Posts: 89
    Thanks Palustris. I will burn both roots & seeds, hopefully give some bunnies a treat😊 Remind my hubby..NOT to throw random seeds about haha. It's took us over 3 years to rid the garden of all old debris, a mass of comfry & reduced (or still reducing Marigolds) plus plenty of weeds. We are now left with the plants we want to keep some 'now' nicely trimmed mature shrubs. I have put marigolds into pots for colour & making sure they don't seed everywhere again. The rest of the borders, a blank canvas to start planting next year😁 Also a very healthy looking fuchsia shrub that I rescued. Can't  wait to start next spring and have a garden I can sit and enjoy.😁
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