Identification

Re: Can anyone help identify this plant?

Polly — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 13:33:16 GMT

I just logged on to ask the self same question! We moved into this cottage 3 years ago and there were a couple of stems of this in the wild bit of the garden ... this year there is a thicket of the stuff, almost 6' tall! The chickens do give it a wide berth! But bees love it I have noticed. The seeds made me think of sunsplurge, but this is a very statusque plant. I am minded to try to introduce a patch into the back of a herbacious border ... the leaves are lovely and the colour is quite interesting. Perhaps to offset some melianthus major I have just acquired? But only to be approached with extreme caution, obviously! ETA Just found this article: http://www.homeoint.org/seror/patho1900/eulathyris.htm which has scared me half to death!

Re: Can anyone help identify this plant?

Anonymous — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 20:59:39 GMT

Although I can't see it. If Miranda is correct. Treat it with caution. Most if not all Euphorbias when damaged etc, exude a milky like substance. Hence the common overall name of. Milk weed. The so-called milk, is poisonous and can at times be an irritant.

Mike.

Re: Can anyone help identify this plant?

chrisfits — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 08:50:52 GMT

Wow, that was quick, Thank you very much!!

Re: Can anyone help identify this plant?

miranda — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 08:43:02 GMT

It's Euphorbia lathyris and it pops up all over at this time of year. It grows quite quickly which makes it seem like it's come from nowhere. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphorbia_lathyris

Re: Can anyone help identify this plant?

chrisfits — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 08:30:51 GMT

sorry for the lack of picture, tried the flickr cut and paste but only pastes the link not the pic http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7098/7350781454_b764f9cb1b_z.jpg

Can anyone help identify this plant?

chrisfits — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 08:18:47 GMT

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7098/7350781454_b764f9cb1b_z.jpg This odd plant turned up in a border last autumn and proceeded to grow to about 2 foot tall before it started to flower. I can't seem to find out what it is, but it's the only thing in my garden that my chickens don't have a peck at, so i wonder if it may be toxic?