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Help identifying this weed, please?

This grows in all the cracks in the concrete, and from the dry-stone walls as well. It looks like a hawkweed, but the leaves are variegated, and broader and more rounded. Multiple stems with groups of yellow flowers and dandelion-like seed heads. In flower from July onwards. I can't seem to find it anywhere in books or online, so any information would be appreciated. 

 

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It's possible that I brought it with me when I moved to Sheffield from Hertfordshire 25 years ago.

It's all over the garden and easy to get rid of by hand, but I quite like it so tend to leave it - hoverflies like it.

Posts

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,441


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • Yes hawkweed. I think I've seen them in orange too - quite pretty for a weed.

  • It's a lovely plant and whilst you may not want to let it seed you should enjoy it for what it is.... and let your friendly hoverflies have their enjoyment too.

  • I think the orange one may be our only native orange-flowered plant.  The way the orange one propagates itself by underground runners means it can quickly become a pest.  I manage to keep it under control though (just.) 

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • Thank you - wow that was quick nutcutlet! Most grateful.

    I have drifts of it all along one side of the house, and am quite happy for it to seed and spread - as I said, it's easy to remove. I have a very bee-friendly garden, so it fits in well. Thanks again.

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