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Thorny plant with purple flowers WEED?

Posted by triciami5 z5 MI (My Page) on
Sun, Jul 29, 12 at 16:07

House next door has them all across in front of their house. Called a place that sells flowers, he said to spray or cut the flowers off before they send weeds all over the place, they are 3 ft tall now. Never saw them befor, talked to the people that live there and said they would take care of it. Will that be, befor or after the seeds blow all over my yard and others, plus my flower gardens, the pricker s are wicked. Any advice. I dont want a problem with the people but dont want the prickers here either. Tricia


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Thorny plant with purple flowers WEED?

some kind of thistle??

the finches go nuts for them ... quite acrobatic when going after the seed ..

they said they would take care of them.. what more do you want them to do ... ????

ken

Here is a link that might be useful: link


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RE: Thorny plant with purple flowers WEED?

You could offer to do the work for them. Or ask it you can cut off the flower heads. If they say yes, you will be able to manage the problem so it will not affect your yard. The plant will probably flower again so make sure you have permission to cut them off each time.


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RE: Thorny plant with purple flowers WEED?

If you are not totally sure what it is, take a picture and show it on "name that plant forum." Is this happening in a bed that can't be mowed?


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RE: Thorny plant with purple flowers WEED?

Your description sounds a lot like a datura, possibly d. metel. Its flower color can range from white to purple.

The spiny seed capsule is walnut sized and, when ripe, splits open to reveal a very generous amount of seed.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pictures


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RE: Thorny plant with purple flowers WEED?

That would have been my other guess, but the plant is not thorny as far as I understand, just the seed pods. Been trying for decades to find one to smell!


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RE: Thorny plant with purple flowers WEED?

Are the flowers large or small?

Could be teasle. That stuff is vicious. We had a few plants here and there at the Cottage and I go after it with a vengence when I find it.


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