1) I had a dwarf ornamental crabapple tree in this space, but it died 2 or 3 years ago. I had a baby, and so neglected the space all year last year. When I went out to tend the beds this spring, I found this monster waiting for me where the crabapple used to be. I know nothing about it, and I've never seen anything like it. I just really want to verify it's a weed before I start the task of getting it out of there. Can anyone help? Thanks in advance.
That's quite likely a Burdock or some sort- Compare. If you want to have a chance at getting it to go away, get digging now. Once it seeds, you'll have it for at least another season. Edit - oh, unless it's actually Rhubarb. But you'd know right away - Rhubarb has red stems, and Burdock doesn't.
Thanks! Nope, not rhubarb, I meant to mention that it definitely didn't have the red stems. I'll look into that, I appreciate the (fast!) help.
Yes, it's burdock (Arctium sp.)... and it's a "weed", but I think it looks great because of it's huge leaves!!! So don't pull it out... :((( (Hm... EDIT: nooo, it's not an Arctium, and not a weed!!! It's very-very rare orchid!!! Just don't pull it out... :)))
It's up to you. I've always appreciated burdocks because they draw aphids like nobody's business. I look upon them as a form of pest control - they get the aphids and my more tender plants are almost totally ignored.
