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Any thoughts on what this is and what to do?

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No idea although, from the look of those roots, I suspect it will be trouble! What kind of situation is it growing in. Also, is it widespread in your area or just confined to a small patch? A close up of the leaves might also help.

Wulf

What kind of situation is it growing in. Also, is it widespread in your area or just confined to a small patch?

Thanks Wulf

It's concentrated mostly around one area of my plot, although see some popping up elsewhere as well.

Found quite a few of the roots when I originally dug over the plot when I acquired it in November.

I'll get a close up of some leaves if I can.

Plot neighbour thought it might be something called "sow-grass or sow-weed" (pronounced sow as in female pig )

Since we'd need to visit the external site anyway to view the picture, let's put it straight in the thread to see if we can catch anyone's eye:



Wulf

Bit closer

Can't be sure but due to the shape of the root I think it is daisy family. The root should all be pretty low lying and a bit of work should get rid of them. I have kept a patch on my allotment as they are quite nice flowers. However, the leaves look quite different so I am definetly not 100% and it certainly is not the same daisy as I am growning.

Thanks.

Might leave one to and see what it looks like

If you're going to the trouble of rooting the others up, I'd put the flowering sample in a pot - otherwise, all the time it is looking pretty on top, it is probably sending out running roots beneath the soil to colonise the surrounding area!

Wulf

Think I've solved it after a trawl on the web.

Sow-thistle

yup, that's the one. It spreads quickly through the soil using those rhizomes you've dug up and is extremely persistant. The good news is that it's fairly easy to shade out so ground fabric or a deep mulch will probably work. It's also sensitive to repeated applications of broad-leaf weedkillers.