Name that weed?

[mentallot]

Good morning all, I'm new here, this is my first post...

I got an allotment last September and so just getting started. I found a few of these yesterday that had popped up over the weekend. Anyone know what they are?

[Snoop Puss]

Hello and welcome, Mentallot.

Unfortunately, you have to have made a few posts before you can post photos here. So nobody is going to be able to tell you at the moment. Keep coming back for a bit, post a few comments and then try again with your photo. Another option is to ask people on your allotment site. If they are weeds, then plot neighbours are likely to know what they are. If you're lucky, it could be something popping up its head in spring. Asparagus spears, rhubarb stalks, even potatoes that didn't get dug up last year.

Good luck.

[mentallot]

Thanks for your reply, I'd be happy if it was asparagus!

[veggiechicken]

Hi mentallot and welcome.
Best not to weed out anything unless you're sure you don't want it.
As Snoop says, once you've made a few more posts, you'll be able to post images and play about with your profile. It doesn't take long if you're a chatty soul.

[mentallot]

Thanks veggiechicken, further research has identified it as Horsetail, I know I had it but didn't recognise the flower, along with the prolific Bindweed I've got a job on here!

[veggiechicken]

I didn't "Like" your post becuase you have Horsetail and Bindweed - but because you've identified them.
Keep pulling it up as soon as you see it. Eventually,you'll get the better of it.

[veggiechicken]

Mentallot - does your weed look like these? https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...ats_99145.html

[mentallot]

Mentallot - does your weed look like these? https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...ats_99145.html

There's no leaf there (last time I checked), it appears to be Horsetail flower based on my research, I'm gonna have to keep on top of this!

[Baldy]

Welcome along... and good luck (with both the identifying and the erradication...

[Snoop Puss]

Horsetail flower... interesting. Have you had a look at this?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equisetum

[MyWifesBrassicas]

I don't think my horsetails have ever flowered

[Jay-ell]

Horsetail doesn't have flowers as such. The reproductive stems are brown with a spore producing spike - make sure that you pull these ones out as soon as you see them or they will spread their spores all over the place.

They do make good pan scourers and brass polishers due to the high silica content of the skin. This tough skin with a high silica content is also what protects it against weed killer.

[mentallot]

Horsetail flower... interesting. Have you had a look at this?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equisetum

It's almost certainly Equisetum arvense, looks quite useful from the Wiki link, not sure if I'll be eating that though, I'm leave that to the Japanese...

[mentallot]

Horsetail doesn't have flowers as such. The reproductive stems are brown with a spore producing spike - make sure that you pull these ones out as soon as you see them or they will spread their spores all over the place.

They do make good pan scourers and brass polishers due to the high silica content of the skin. This tough skin with a high silica content is also what protects it against weed killer.

I've been pulling up Horsetail and plenty of Bindweed this morning, I think that will my main job this Summer!