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What is this fast growing beast?

EllisoneEllisone Posts: 17

So, a plant has appeared in my garden (not unusual with 3 miles of country park behind me). But it's growing at a rate of knots... any ideas?

Posts

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,737

    can you add a photo?

    Devon.
  • EllisoneEllisone Posts: 17

    imageimage

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,737

    looks like Himalyan Balsam. Google it and see what you think. If it is, don't dare let it seed or you'll be inundated.

    Devon.
  • EllisoneEllisone Posts: 17

    Thanks. It's possible. It is out in the wilds. I'll have it removed.

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,737

    give it a sharp tug and it should come out easily. It's only an annual. It runs riot along stream edges and is a real nuisance.

    Devon.
  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 37,245

    Hi Ellisone. The leaves do not look quite right for Himalayan balsam. Balsam leaves are more slender in shape rather than like those on your plant. I had a giant monster like that turn up in one of my large pots last year (Lord knows where it came from) and it quickly grew to about 6 feet in height and then produced teeny little brownish flowers. Its stems were very square and I eventually identified it as a figwort. It may be worthwhile looking that up and see if it looks familiar to you.

    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
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