Is this a banned plant?

Discussion in 'Identification Area' started by Savant, May 20, 2015.

  1. Savant

    Savant Apprentice Gardener

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    When we were all out in the garden the other day my grandson noticed a plant that shouldn't have been there. At first sight it looked very much like a cannabis but as I've never seen one before except on pictures I wasn't sure. So if anybody can identify it for me I'll be much obliged. It is just under a bird feeder station so the seed might have come from there. I am sorry the picture isn't as clear as it should be.

    DSC_0076.JPG
     
  2. stephenprudence

    stephenprudence GC Weather Guru

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    It's possible.. certainly looks like it.. but it's not unusual to find Cannabis plants popping up in random places. It looks like it's too young to have grown it's mature leaves, but I suspect what you have is Cannabis sativa.

    I was told a story of how a Cannabis plant self seeded outside of front garden, but of course it's not illegal because it's not being grown in someone's possession - however I think residents were advised to remove it.

    I doubt many people would automatically think of drying the leaves and making them into a big fat joint though, but I'd be cautious and remove it just in case someone knows.
     
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    • Dips

      Dips Total Gardener

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      Showed the pic to a friend who would be in the know he said its definately not cannabis

      What it is i dont know but hes says that the leaf shape isnt right and it's missing two things on the leaves so yours has 5 and cannabis has 7 and his first reaction was a straight no

      just do you know you dont dry the leaves only the buds for smoking but you can juice the leaves
       
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        Last edited: May 20, 2015
      • Phil A

        Phil A Guest

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      • kindredspirit

        kindredspirit Gardening around a big Puddle. :)

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        Might be a young elderberry.
         
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        • mr c

          mr c Gardener

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          recon it is,first leaves 3 finger as it grows it will throw out 5 finger leaves maybe more,but something has taken the top of it, it will grow into a nice bush (think green acer) how can a random plant be illegal not worth the paperwork or verbal warning.
           
        • Scrungee

          Scrungee Well known for it

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          They start off with single leaves, then 3 lobed, then 5 lobed, and finally 7 (or so I've heard). So watch out .....

          [​IMG]
           
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          • Dips

            Dips Total Gardener

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            i added the leaf bit in not him so as a non expert that was jut my observation

            he still said no to it being cannabis
             
          • "M"

            "M" Total Gardener

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            So:
            3 for yes
            1 for possible
            1 for no (twice)
            and 1 for elderberry​

            Glad we've got that sorted! :phew:
             
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            • Dips

              Dips Total Gardener

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              just googled plants that look like cannabis to see what else it could be

              some suggestions are a bit funny but the problem is most of the pages are american

              can cleome grow in the uk?

              [​IMG]

              could it also be a type of Kenaf Hibiscus cannabinus
               
              Last edited: May 20, 2015
            • Victoria

              Victoria Lover of Exotic Flora

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              I would vote in the 'yes' forum. It is a wildflower here although it is illegal to grow it! :rolleyespink:

              The leaf structure is as Scrungee says ... 3, 5 to 7. Here is an internet picture of a young plant which looks similar ...

              [​IMG]

              There are several discussions on GC where folk have found it growing under their bird feeders as apparently it is often one of the seeds included in mixes.
               
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              • Savant

                Savant Apprentice Gardener

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                I scanned all images on google and the nearest I've come up with is a Japanese Maple.

                I think the safest thing to do will be to take it out.
                 
              • rosebay

                rosebay budding naturalistic gardener!

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                Yes...you never know .... your neighbours might shop you as a drug dealer! [​IMG] [​IMG]
                 
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                  Last edited: May 20, 2015
                • stephenprudence

                  stephenprudence GC Weather Guru

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                  The indentations on the leaves, the shape of the leaves, the fact its still young.. it's got to be Cannabis - not worth the agro over really. On the other hand, I will happily take it off your hands :biggrin::snork: (joke)
                   
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                  • Scrungee

                    Scrungee Well known for it

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                    You could always wait until it flowers to get a better ID. Just the flower buds forming should do quite nicely.

                    In the meantime I suggest a change of avatar!

                    ingognito.jpg



                    P.S. The stem isn't clear in the pic, if it has vertical 'ridges' that could be the clincher, although they may not have formed yet.
                     
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                      Last edited: May 20, 2015
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