Should I get rid of this - weed or ??

bluebelldell · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 29 Aug 2010 Posts: 43

I think it's a weed of some sort. It is about a meter high with another identical stalk just behind it. I wonder if anyone can identify?
thanks..

michael brenock · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 8:56 am Post subject:

looks like Elderberry (Sambucus) becomes a woody tree in a few years. Grows quickly from a seed.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

bluebelldell · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 29 Aug 2010 Posts: 43

Thanks, Michael for that - I will leave it so and see what happens, (hopefully something nice)!

Greengage · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 4:47 pm Post subject:

Another pic from further back plz

bluebelldell · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 29 Aug 2010 Posts: 43

Hi Greengage, will this do?
Sorry the second one is sideways, a fault of iphoto sometimes.

Greengage · Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2012 4:30 pm Post subject:

I agree with micheal there is a black variety Sambucas nigra which looks really nice and has a nice scent.but the one above a weed get rid of it

bluebelldell · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 29 Aug 2010 Posts: 43

thanks again on closer inspection and with the help of google (I know! everyone's an expert - but is definitely has it's uses) it seems to resemble giant hogweed!
It has the spotted purplish stem and very similar leaves.
Anyway better safe than sorry after reading the health implications so it will be removed today and disposed of with care.
Thanks for replying Smile

michael brenock · Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2012 4:19 pm Post subject:

Sambucus nigra does not have a pleasant smell, quite unpleasant in fact. When you mentioned the purple spots on the stems I began to wonder
michael brenock

Greengage · Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2012 4:21 pm Post subject:

well well thats puting us in our place, since you are googleing it have another look its not giant hogweed could be ground elder on steriods or angelica the pic is not great how about a better pic and discription
definitly not giant hogweed

michael brenock · Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2012 10:50 pm Post subject:

did not wish to put anybody in their place, sorry. Smell is sometimes a useful way of confirming what a plant is
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

Greengage · Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2012 3:51 pm Post subject:

My last post did not refer to your post micheal it was the one above it suggesting we are googling the answers, sure if it was that easy we would all be at it.

bluebelldell · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 29 Aug 2010 Posts: 43

I'm happy enough that someone attempted to identify it for me and am happy enough to have removed it. I did googled it but then I google almost all things I want to know about - and then come to sites like this were most people are happy enough to give me at least their expertise which I am grateful for - I'm a totally novice gardener, actually I wouldn't call myself a gardener at all, most of my posts here are actually questions and I'm grateful if someone answers. As for the photos ah well - best i can do with what i've got.
still tho it's gone now so don't be worrying about it anymore

Shocked

James Kilkelly · Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2012 11:36 am Post subject:

Wow that escalated quickly......

I meant to post on this thread the other day before the pictures got pulled, but to me the "weed" looked like Elderberry as well.... Native Irish Elder / Elderberry... Sambucus nigra .. An Trom

Any further replies will be guesses from now on it seems.