Guess the weed!

hollydays

Can't think of the name right now but there is a pretty weed that grows flower spikes of cornflour blue,about 5ft tall.They are self seeding.

Davesnave

there is a Dwarf Comfrey as well as the taller comfrey can't find a decent photo having looked at other photos of comfrey - certainly looks similar

Yes, I thought that. You couldn't have the other kind co-existing with a lawn!

Tracked it down.......

http://www.cottage-gardens.net/ShowDetails.asp?id=276

It is still invasive. I'm killing some off at the moment.

kippers

I grow comfrey at my allotment (its great for putting in the compost bin as an activator or using as a feed) anyway, i don't think it looks like comfrey.

It does have a big tap root and i'm sure if you leave a tiny bit of the root in when you try and dig it out, then you will get a new plant. If it was in my lawn i'd use a spot weedkiller (though this would be a last resort as i hate chemicals).

Shogunladyuk

Green Alkanet maybe?

TedLaRue

Thanks for the help everyone. Whatever the blasted thing is at least I have something to go on now and just decide what method to take to get rid of it.

Ice_2

if its a herb take it in to your local garden centre and see if they know what it is...or if you see a local gardener he'll probably know as he's local and will know what grows in your area...:D

hollydays

The name of the plant I couldnt remember is chicory.Could it be that-can't quite remember what the leaves look like.

olly300

Simon_P wrote: »

The weed is Green Alkanet otherwise known as Anchusa, introduced into gardens by the Victorians & has escaped to cause havoc on wasteland etc. It is very invasive & has an extensive root system which travels meters below the ground. It is hard to eradicate and each broken root will regrow, you need to dig down as deep as you can without breaking the roots which are like cables.

It was introduced at a time when blue flowers were fashionable & saught after but it did not live up to expectations as it produced such small flowers.

All i can say is i am glad it's in your garden. lol

You mean this?
http://www.dgsgardening.btinternet.co.uk/alkanet.htm

Davesnave

The name of the plant I couldnt remember is chicory.Could it be that-can't quite remember what the leaves look like.

Chicory has a dandelion-leaved rosette at this time of year.

Also, my alkanet hasn't got such huge roots as that, especially up near the leaves - I pulled one out to check.

My money's still on symphytum (comfrey).

I also photoshopped your photo & blew it up a bit. Will try to compare with my comfrey & alkanet tomorrow but the former should all be dead!

Telute

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/field/news/croppest/2005/10cpo05a4.htm

Page on comfrey from the Ontario ministry of agriculture. Has pictures of uprooted weeds which look v. similair - gives tips on getting rid of the stuff too.