Weeds or not?

PlantyPru

I know weeds are a subjective thing but if they're technically classed as weeds and something that will cause a problem I'd rather get them out! These are all in the same flower bed and have popped up all of a sudden. Do I need to pull them out?

Skandi

The first one is an elder tree so unless you want a tree there, yes pull it out.

PlantyPru

I'd have expected oak as we have an oak already and a squirrel who likes to bury but didn't expect elder! Either way they're going to have to come out, thank you 

Dovefromabove

I agree ... the first is elder.
The second is one of the milk or sow thistles.
The third looks like a garden plant but my memory won't tell me which.  I'd leave that for a bit.*
The fourth is bdooly Hairy Bittercress which spreads all over the place.  Keep pulling it out, keep hoeing, but you'll never get rid of it. It is edible tho', so you can get your own back on it 

*Edited to add ... my brain keeps suggesting Centaurea montana, but I'm not convinced ... but it's surrounded by lots more of those elder seedlings ... 

PlantyPru

Brilliant, thank you. Will take all out apart from the big bushy one and see what happens with it!

PlantyPru

Would Montana self seed? I did have a montana fireball in a pot the other side of the bed...

Dovefromabove

Centaurea montana will self seed ........... but I don't know of one called 'Fireball'.  

I suspect you mean Monarda 'Fireball' ... a red bergamot ... I think that'll self-seed.  Do the leaves look similar?  It's not one I grow, but am considering as I think it'll suit the freedraining soil in this garden.  

Lyn

I’d leave the 3rd one for a while and have the rest out as soon as possible. 

JennyJ

None of them look like Monarda. The big bushy one reminds me of teasels but it could easily be something else.

Loraine3

I thought the bushy one was a willowherb

bertrand-mabel

The 2nd looks like a hogweed and it needs to be OUT!!