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Identification of fast growing something?

JacquimcmahonJacquimcmahon Posts: 1,039
in Plants
I have just come back from two weeks away and found these growing amongst the tulips….. I’m thinking perhaps something self seeded from last year, but honestly can’t think what. The stalks are red with tiny prickles, not sharp, and very long fleshy leaves. Any ideas? Could they be some sort of lettuce/ salad leaves? I think this is where I unsuccessfully planted mesclun seeds last year. Behind are some lettuce from this year and I know they did not arrive with those.
Marne la vallée, basically just outside Paris 🇫🇷, but definitely Scottish at heart.

Posts

  • thevictorianthevictorian Posts: 1,279
    Looks like sow thistle.
  • JacquimcmahonJacquimcmahon Posts: 1,039
    Not sure, the stalks are very red and the leaves are long ovals, rather than the pictures I see of sew thistle which look more irregular in shape.
    Marne la vallée, basically just outside Paris 🇫🇷, but definitely Scottish at heart.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    I think it is a sow thistle too.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • Desi_in_LondonDesi_in_London Posts: 731
    I agree too , as far as I know there are a few different species of sow thistle , and there is at least one annual one that has reddish stems , less toothed basal leaves and then higher up very spiky leaves. ( Think that it might be prickly sow thistle )
    Kindness is always the right choice.
  • coccinellacoccinella Posts: 1,428
    Thistle. I removed one bigger than yours this morning. But I have left another, they are good for insects and look pretty. It's all down to the space you have.

    Luxembourg
  • JacquimcmahonJacquimcmahon Posts: 1,039
    edited April 2023
    Unfortunately they will have to come out as they are in pots and will clearly take over. Thanks I had never come across the version with the red stem before.
    Marne la vallée, basically just outside Paris 🇫🇷, but definitely Scottish at heart.
  • bcpathomebcpathome Posts: 1,313
    Sow thistle definitely. Take it out of the pot pronto ,is my advice.
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