Unknown weed

[urbpan]

I've never seen this plant before, and suddenly it's blooming in three different locations at work. One "waste area" where a lot of clearweed (Pilea pumilagrows, one woody path edge recently invaded by garlic mustard, and one very woodsy area (though adjacent to what passes for a sidewalk in rural Lincoln).

Any guesses?

Comments

[cottonmanifesto.livejournal.com]

Enchanter's Nightshade?

[punkydolly.livejournal.com]

I was going to say the same thing...

[urbpan.livejournal.com]

I believe you two are correct--and by golly, it's a native plant! I'll have to prevent my coworkers from weeding it!

[plantgirl.livejournal.com]

by golly, it's a native plant

That would explain why I've never seen it - it's one of those crazy New England things.
;p

[urbpan.livejournal.com]

Indeed. According to this map, it doesn't occur west of the Rockies. Interestingly, it's considered native in the UK too.

[punkydolly.livejournal.com]

I love that I could help identify something here!

*feels proud*

Its very common in South East England, grows in profusion everywhere (well everywhere in semi shade and particularly my garden) Collins Wild Flowers field guide to Britain and Northern Europe identifies it as native or naturalised to Britain and Ireland.

[cottonmanifesto.livejournal.com]

YAY I am SMRT!

[nutmeg.livejournal.com]

I was away, but am pleased that the picture made me think.. nightshade and people who are smarter than me thought so too! YAY.

About it being considered native in the UK too... well I've found the USDA plants data base is a little more liberal than some other sources on what's native or not.

At least it's clearly not invasive.

[punkydolly.livejournal.com]

Its invasive in my garden!!!

...but its pretty so I dont care.

:D