I remember about fifteen years ago walking around the docks trying to find teasels because I wanted their seed heads to provide some interest in the garden during the winter. They are also fantastic sources of food for certain birds but I wasn't bothered about that benefit back then. My Auntie was horrified at my suggestion. "What do you want those for? You'll never get rid of them once you have them; the seeds will spread and you'll be stuck with them" is what she said to me. I never did successfully pull them up out of the dock yard cracks and replant them in my garden but that's not to say I wouldn't still have them. IN fact the trend for natural gardens encourages nettles and teasels.
I wanted to find out which plants are 'official' weeds in Britain. However, when I Googled 'offical weed Britain' all I found was cannabis sites. Not exactly what I was looking for.
By changing 'weed' to plural, I did find this general information,
"Weeds are simply plants which are growing in the wrong place or behaving badly, but when they trespass in our flowerbeds or vegetable patch, they cause no end of annoyance. They are usually the native plants which are best adapted to the environment where they grow, so can easily out-compete our more delicate ornamental plants. The seeds they produce can lie dormant in the soil for many years, germinating when it is cultivated, or imported with 'new' topsoil. Even in a "wild" garden the native plants must be controlled to give the more pleasing effect we seek. "
and then I chanced upon this,
Identifying common invasive non-native plants
Three of the most invasive non-native plants are Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed and Himalayan Balsam.
Japanese Knotweed
Japanese Knotweed appears to have no natural enemies in Britain and is difficult to control, tiny fragments (as little as 0.7g of its rhizome, or root) can produce a viable plant. This plant can grow as much as two centimetres per day, will grow in any type of soil, no matter how poor, and can grow through walls and concrete.The plant forms dense clumps up to three metres in height. It has large, triangular green leaves and a hollow stem, similar to bamboo but often flecked with dark red. Japanese Knotweed produces fleshy red-tinged shoots that can reach a height of 1.5 metres by May and 3 metres by June.
Giant Hogweed
Giant Hogweed has a green stem with dark red or purple blotches and spiky dark green leaves. The plant can grow up to 5m tall and grows mainly in areas of damp soils, such as river banks.Each flowerhead can produce up to 50,000 seeds, which are easily dispersed by water. Seeds can remain viable for up to 15 years so disposal has to be carried out very carefully.
Giant Hogweed can have adverse effects on skin following contact. Symptoms are usually noticeable within 24 hours including blisters and swelling on the skin, which may be made worse by exposure to the sun. If you feel unwell after contact with Giant Hogweed speak to your doctor.
Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed are listed in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This means that it is illegal to plant it in the wild. Waste from some non-native plants is controlled by law and so certain regulations have to be complied with when disposing of such material.
Himalayan Balsam
Himalayan Balsam was introduced into Britain in the 19th century. It has pinky red stems with dark green leaves. It grows fast and can reach 2 to 3m in height. The plant can produce large quantities of seed in exploding capsules that can throw seed several metres.Five particular plants are classified as 'injurious', or harmful weeds under the Weeds Act 1959. These five plants are:
- Common Ragwort
- Spear Thistle
- Creeping or Field Thistle
- Curled Dock
- Broad-Leaved Dock"
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