Any ideas??

My partner and I discovered this plant growing out of an old tree stump in our back garden (Lakeshore, toronto) We were wondering if anyone could help us identify it. The plant itself is pretty tall, at least 2 ft with small thorns or prickles on the stems, It has a cluster of purple/red flowers about to bloom at the very top of the plant. The leaves are palmate with seven leaflets. (we were worried as it looks a little like cannabis)
Any ideas would be very helpful. Beth

 

Looks and sounds like red buckeye or a related species, except for the thorns. Don't know if this grows as far north as you are, either. But the leaf really looks like a buckeye leaf.

 

I agree. I don't know of any other tree that has smooth edged palmate leaves except the Buckeye--but thorns?

Rex

 

Thank you so much for the ideas - the 'thorns' were very much like those found on a stinging nettle - tiny almost 'hair' like - but occasionally larger and sharper! I'm doing reasearch on the buckeye - Thank you again for the prompt replies

 

I think buckeye should grow in Ontario, it lies just north of the "Buckeye State".

 

How far north buckeye grows would depend on which buckeye, I don't think they are all equally hardy. The thorns could be accounted for by another plant being mixed in with the buckeye, of course.

 

Hi, I'm just new on this board, but have been gardenig along time.I think what you have here is a Cleome(not sure of the spelling).Down here in Iowa we call them 'spider flowers'.

 

I think you have it, Davidm.

Here's two links: Cleome hassleriana from Missouri BG and Cleome hassleriana from Univ Wisc. Herbarium (note prickles on stems)

 

It just goes to show that it's easy to lock into one way of thinking.

Rex