The weed plant in the photograph has spread throughout a hilltop Kent, UK, old established chalky soil domestic garden. The householder tells me that if you attempt to strim the weed any piece of leaf touching your skin will cause irritation. The main leaf in the photo is approx 6 inches across. I asked about any flower and it apperared to be hardly noticeable. The underside of the leaf is a light silver colour. Any ID help appreciated.
Possibly Petasites fragrans. https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=p...B8nXU6_DmqgH&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1536&bih=728
Thank you for your help. It seems this plant is considered by some as beautiful and useful to wildlife but by others as an invasive pest which is difficult to control except by chemical means. I found useful information at the link below on pages 52 and 53. http://www.nra.ie/environment/envir...ve-Plant-Species-on-National-Road-Schemes.pdf Regards Richard Masson
