I should add there are nasty spines all the way down the rib of these leaves

My guess would be Dock leaves? posted this before you put your note on?

Those are the leaves of Teasel.

I would agree with Teasel leaves. Got rid of my Teasels, grown for the birds, as they self set everywhere the following year ! : o ( (

Is it a plant or a weed Shirley? It has flowers that look like thistles?

I grow teasles in the wild area just for my lovely goldfinches, you could try taking the heads off if you get too many

teasels are a native wildflower. so weed if you dont want it and a gem if you do. The flowers open in an unusual pattern too.

Dorjac, I had to go out and have just returned to this page. They are a wildflower, pretty mauve flower, turns brown and then the Finches arrive, hopefully! I just found they seeded too freely so out they came. Very useful in dried flower arrangements though.

definately NOT dock leaves

This sounds great for my woodland garden. Does anyone know where plants/seeds would be available?

Thanks so much everyone. I think I'll keep them and see how they go. Those spines are quite sharp.I don't think we want another dock leaf debate. That was quite entertaining while it lasted ! Iv'e seen teasels by the side of the road, they get rather tall. We get the odd green finch here, friends get goldfinches, they are really colourful. Wonder why they were the only survivors?

Bernard - if you Google 'where to buy teasel seeds' there's a mine of information !

Thanks for the info Shirley tulip. I've sent an order off and look forward to having the seeds soon.

Well done, Bernard. : o )

just been pottering in the garden and the baby goldfinches are out ... twittering in the plum tree Ahhhh :o)

The teasel is about 4 foot high now. It has spines on the main stem too. It means business.....KEEP OFF.....Another interesting thing is that the leaf axils are like cups that store water.....fascinating. I'm glad I asked about it and kept the teasel. It has brown fly on it and the blue tits like that. spines do not keep them off!!

a weed is a plant in the wrong place

It's still there Nosey.....Old and gone to seed now. Covered in spines. I thought I would have a wild flower patch.....that was it out of a pack of mixed seeds.

well at least its a start dorjac lol x .