I have these tree like plants coming up in several places on my property. I would like to find out what they are. One main trunk with numerous branches, stems have a rusty, purplish color with green leaves. Fernish and myple type look combined.
http://livingafield.com/images/Conium_maculatum_01.jpg Conium maculatum (Poison Hemlock) looks very similar. Wash your hands!
A weed by any other name A "weed" isn't a botanical distinction. There's no botanical taxonomic rule which classifies plants as weeds according to their form or structure. Prolific plants, often introduced from elsewhere, which without invitation take over part of a garden, are generally called weeds. Really a weed is an unwelcome plant; that's all. It's still a useful category, and so you get books like Weeds of Canada. But the familiar Morning Glory is a weed to a great many folk, while a great many other folk would consider it a beautiful vine. Of course, it's really both—it's a beautiful vine that's a weed. If the word weed were also used for undesirable, intrusive aliens of the animal kingdom—which it's not—then the great majority of other mammals living on this planet would surely regard the human species as the mother of all weeds.
Thanks for nothing and the lesson! Day late and a dollar short with your smart but useless answer. Already received a wonderful and helpful answer which I am grateful for people that are willing to share helpful knowledge!! A weed it was described as a possibility because I considered it undesirable, unattractive, and troublesome, especially growing where I did not want, as in my garden. I thought it may be some type of tree as well I have several types of birds doing planting for me:)
Dear Kpark, There is no need to get offensive or defensive. These forums are an educational resource dedicated to providing answers that will hopefully be of use or interest to more than just the poster. Both Grooonix7 and Michael provided useful information in a polite manner and even if you did not find it helpful others may. Rethinking the distinctions betweed "desirable plant" and "weed" can be an ongoing process for for even the most experienced gardener or botanist. Many of us have paid good money for a great sounding garden plant only to find ourselves despairing a few years later as we try and fail to eradicate it. Climate, soil condition and root competition differences mean that a plant which is self contained and well behaved in one person's garden may prove to be a ruthless bully in mine. I found the concept of human "weeds" both amusing and though provoking, and a good reminder of our true place in the grand scheme of things.
If my response came off as you may have preceived....I was neither! Thanks for your take on situation , not sure it was needed as it had nothing to do with my past..past past..post! But hey to each his own:) Have a great weekend in this wonderful weather....weed pulling, tree planting time!!!! As I understand it...this is post and reply, not a chat and respond , no need for clarification!!! Just saying:)
