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Horrible stringy weed - what is it?

MikeW2MikeW2 Posts: 4

Hi all

My border has become infested with this horrible stringy weed that seems to have roots that pop up out of nowhere and go down quite far. Here's a picture of it:

http://i.imgur.com/al0nuHQ.jpg

I need to know:

  1. What is it?
  2. Does anyone have any advice / tips on how to get rid of it

All help appreciated. image

Thanks

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,138

    Hi Mike image  It's Creeping cinquefoil (potentilla) also known as silverweed.  Just keep hand weeding and regular hoeing.  image


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





  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445

    I think it's called cinquefoil

    I have this, I dig bits up but it always comes back because it's in the grass. I don't find it too much of a trouble but if I grew alpines or other small plants I might.



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445

    My files (mental) have cinquefoil and silverweed as two different plants Dove. 

    Silverweed is prettierimage



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • MikeW2MikeW2 Posts: 4

    Thanks everyone! 

    We left the border alone all of all last year due to us doing some building work on the house and this had taken up residence. It took me two days to clear it all but I have been able to keep on top of any bits sprouting up over the past week or two - we just need to do it more regularly(!).

    Thanks again image

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,138
    nutcutlet wrote (see)

    My files (mental) have cinquefoil and silverweed as two different plants Dove. 

    Silverweed is prettierimage

    Your mental files are probably working better than mine at the moment Nut - I've just had a phone call from Waitrose - I didn't pick up my cashback at the weekend image


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





  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307

    It is a Potentilla but not the one generally called Silverweed. The leaves are too green and not as serrated as Silver weed. I could go out and take a picture of the latter, but it is too dratted cold!

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,138

    Yes, I lay claim to having had a Senior Moment ........ I've earned it image


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





  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,138

    Perhaps I should take longer and check my answers image


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





  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307

    And if you are really desperate the roots of Silverweed are supposed to be edible. But definitely don't take my word for that, look it up before trying!

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