Identification?

Good guy · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2014 12:28 pm Post subject: Identification?

Do I have Alexanders/Horse Parsley, Smyrium Olusatrum?
This arrived in the garden a couple of years ago and is busily seeding itself around the place. It grows about 1.25m tall, the hover flies love the flowers and the birds love the seeds. It's a handsome plant.

Greengage · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2014 7:57 pm Post subject:

first picture i would have said no second picture yes but the flowers should be creamy and highly scented a second look suggests hogweed but not giant hogweed, ill look for some pics on net so you can compare,
http://www.dorsetwalks.com/rodwelltrail/pages/plants/hogweed.htm

tagwex · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2014 10:28 pm Post subject:

Looks like hogweed to me and I know sweet FA about plant identification.
Hey Greengage you have the place to yourself, Silver Surfer must be on holiday.

Good guy, spill some of the juice on your hand and put up a photo of the rash, it wont hurt, honest it wont!!! At least it will be a positive ID.

Good guy · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 11:38 am Post subject:

I think you're probably right, Greengage. No strong perfume and, in hindsight, it does remind me of the plant we were warned NOT to make pea shooters from, back in the day.
As for your suggestion, Tagwex, "After you, Sir."

tagwex · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 12:07 pm Post subject:

Oh no, I insist m 'lud. You first. Age before beauty and all that.

tippben · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 1:05 pm Post subject:

Hogweed, Heraclium sphondylium. Angelica is hairless, with a purple stem. Alexanders have a yellow flower.

My Potatoes · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 7:52 pm Post subject:

Edible, apparently.

Good guy · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2014 8:54 am Post subject:

Really? Which bits?