This plant is growing in a friends garden. We haven't seen anything like it before and we think it may have come from dropped bird seed. I'd really appreciate an ID. Thanks.
Himalayan Balsam I believe. http://www.dgsgardening.btinternet.co.uk/himalbals.htm http://www.shim.bc.ca/invasivespecies/_private/himalayan_balsam.htm
Thanks so much saltcedar. Looks like you're right on the mark. I realized after that I should have given more information about this plant but you came through for me never the less. Thanks again.
oldcrow, saltcedar is correct. This plant is beautiful but can easily get out of control. It is listed as a Noxious Weed here in Washington State.
It's very invasive here in the UK and is having a detrimental effect on native plants. It spreads like mad because when the seed pods explode they shoot out hundreds of seeds which then germinate.
