Hello all!! I just got talking to my neighbor who stated that the giant weed is very dangerous. He wasn't sure, but with living in a residential area with dogs and kids running around, I thought it very important to find out what it is. Can someone help??? I can get closer images of the leaves if anyone thinks it would help. John big ass weed? ( photo / image / picture from rookiesiuc's Garden ) big ass weed leaf ( photo / image / picture from rookiesiuc's Garden )
How would I know if there is a bulb? Looking online, the leaf does not look the same as a rutabaga, but I just dont know. I appreciate the help though. Any other thoughts?
Collards, maybe, could even be Chard though stems look too small... For Stewbies to be more helpful with identification of plants, they need good clear pics (which yours are) and it helps immensely to know your hardiness zone and area of the country.. Hank
I think TheBip has it correct Arctium, commonly known as Burdock. And it grows pretty much everywhere in the U.S. http://www.henriettesherbal.com/picture ... osum-8.htm
Hi rookie, and welcome to the forum. Burdock isn't dangerous (people even eat the root) but if you think it's big now, wait until next year! Burdock is biennial and will flower next year, if this is its first year of growth. The flower head dries to a thistle-like burr which catches on clothes and pet fur.
You guys are great. Thank you all for you replies and help. You guys were so quick and on top if it like rabbits and some if my glowers. Have a great weekend!!!
Rabbits & glowers? Hmmm...I think you meant a compliment but I have no idea what glowers are & I am waging a battle at present with an adorable bunnie who is munching on everything I hold dear. Bunnies are not high on my list right now.....But, glad we could help!
I wouldnt know what it is either, so will have to take your word for it. That nasty stuff grows all over around here. It is a PEST for sure. I prefer dandelions, though they can be pesky too. It is resistant to mowing and pulling, and you never get the whole root no matter how hard you try. It sure makes toxic chemicals a temptation.
Not knowing what the drink is, I found Google.com is my friend Yes apparently it is the same plant since the recipes I found do not differentiate between species of the plant. Only the roots are used of both the Dandelion and Burdock and you pick them after the green leaves have appeared so you can correctly ID them and not accidentally use Hemlock roots instead....death from Hemlock takes about 3 hours. In the middle ages it was a light Mead type of drink but has evolved into a non-alcoholic soft drink.
Toni, back in the 90s they had a report on the local news about someone who mistook Hemlock for Queen Anne's Lace, and died in less than 15 minutes. They say there is no antidote. I have a lot of hemlock here, and try to remove all I can of it. Hemlock and Queen Anne's Lace are very similar, and could easily be mixed up. I guess dandelion and burdock would be some kind of spring tonic ? Or else they were really really hard up for something to drink back then? To me, it sounds like something disgusting old timers would make you drink, like cod liver oil. Blech.
