Two Common Plants

First plant is almost definitely a 'weed' as it looks to be coming up through the patio. It's fairly nice though and I'd like to know what it's called so I can take some cuttings of it. I'm talking about the green plant just so you know, although I don't know what the white plant to the left of it is called either.



The second plant can be seen here strangling a would-be daffodil. Again, I quite like it, I've even been watering it and I'd like to know what it will look like when it's big.


I did check the 'know your weeds' sticky before posting this but I couldn't be sure either of these were on it. Sorry! Thanks for your help as always.

 

My guesses:

1. Elder (Sambucus) (with cow-parsley to the left)
2. Bind weed

 

Kristen is right, elder and bindweed.

They both will take over your garden, the bindweed will grow and strangle everything else.

If it was me I'd have them out, roots and all before any damage is done!

 

Yup, elder and bindweed. Both beautiful. I think the elder is more manageable than the bindweed (get that out fast). it will grow into a medium sized tree left to its own devices. It is easy to cut back, however. It has beautiful white/cream flowers in June which you can use to make elderflower cordial. If cut back, you will miss a year's flowers.

Have a look at the top of those delicious fresh shoots to see if there's any sign of flowers this year before you chop them!

 

I would agree with the others. The Bindweed is the nastiest as its roots can go down 30 feet or more. Don't try to dig it out. It will grow again from any root left in the soil. You need to use a glyphosphate weedkiller. Glyphosphate is adsorded by the leaves and carried down to the roots, where it kills it.

You can dig the elder out, but be careful its not part of a larger plant next door.

 

The weedkiller is difficult to apply to bindweed. Best to unravel it from the plants it's twining round, stuff it into a carrier bag and spray into the carrier bag.

 

You were right about the bindweed, after only a couple of days since these pictures were taken it has crept along the ground and began winding up a nearby tree. I'll pull it out as best I can tomorrow and then look into weedkiller.
The elder I like though, and it's in the middle of the patio so it's not like it's hindering other plants. If anything it's good to have a plant there. Shame all my cuttings of it died in days.

Thanks for everybody's help here.

 

No, I would recommend you let it grow a bit longer. Even up a 2m bamboo cane will help it.
Then, when you have a big healthy plant, do as suggested by Lorna, gently unwind it, trying to keep as many leaves as pos. Put in a plastic bag and spray. Remove bag.
It will not die instantly.
The whole idea of sprays such as Roundup is that it get carried via the leaves right down to the roots.
It will then die completely.

It does work!