Solved Are these weeds?

Discussion in 'Identification Area' started by Grays, May 10, 2024.

  1. Grays

    Grays Gardener

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    Hi all,
    Going to get stuck into clearing this overgrown border today, a few of the other plants have already been identified, so they are staying, but are these weeds?
    Thanks.
     

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  2. Pete8

    Pete8 Gardener

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    Jack-in-the Hedge
    They self seed profusely and they will spread quickly.
    They are edible with a garlic flavour

    Vital food for some butterflies but too invasive for my garden - I still find them popping up in tricky places.
    There are thousands in the hedgerows around here, so plenty for the butterflies
     
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    • JWK

      JWK Gardener Staff Member

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      Garlic mustard
       
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      • shiney

        shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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        They are quite invasive but tend to pull up fairly easily without digging if your soil is not too dry. To pull them you need to grip them near the soil and pull upwards gently.
         
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        • LeadFarmer

          LeadFarmer Gardener

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          I think it gets its name 'Jack in the hedge' as it's a plant that just appears in hedges everywhere, as in 'Jack of all trades' etc, Jack being the name given to something common, hence why some men who are called John are often referred to as Jack.

          One has appeared in my border. Being biennial it must have grown there last year and is now flowering this year, however I never noticed it being there last year.

          I quite like it and as they are good for wildlife I'm going to leave it until it has finished flowering, then decide whether to remove before it self seeds, or leave it be for flowers in future years.

          IMG_9195.JPG
           
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