Is this the mother of all weeds?

This fine specimen has been happily growing......I'm sure its a weed but it seems such a shame to rip it out!!!!

Does it have a name?

 

Woah, looks like a Dipsacasicus Fullonium to me excuse spelling, i'd leave it in, lovely plant.

 

Or as google says... "Showing results for something you can't spell"

 

Teasel. I've got some growing in my garden. Good bee and bird plants.

 

Thank you so does that mean that its not a weed type thingy its really impressive, solidly built with spiky bits all over it :-)

how do you mean it a good bird plant? (please excuse my ignorance)!

 

Well its a weed if you don't want it. Otherwise a wildflower. The birds will feast on the seeds in the fall.

 

Roses are a weed in the middle of the garden path. What a weed is, is subjective.

What you've got there is a very impressive looking plant that will grow little Hedgehogs on the top & the birds will like the seeds. After that you can cut the stems & use them in dried flower arrangements, raise the knapp of cloth, or stick little legs & eyes on them & give them to the kids to play with.

 

And in the Autumn.

 

Brilliant, thank you. I like it and now I know what it is.......its staying there's another, slightly smaller one next to it as well but the 'biggun' must be 4ft tall!

 

The birds love the seed,i leave mine in for them

 

If you get the chance to visit here,

http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/thin...s/willows-and-wetlands-visitor-centre-p136343

They've got old machines that use the packed flower heads to finish cloth.

 

But do be aware that if you let it seed, then you will have a garden full next year.

 

They can be pulled up though can't they?

 

Yes

 

Mine havnt seeded everywhere,ive only about 4 again this yr