Mystery Plant in FLoral Park (flowers, growing, vegetable, backyard)

[irenefp]

Hi,A few months ago a plant starting growing between the sidewalk in my yard. As it looked like some kind of vegetable, I let it keep growing. I still have no idea what it is although it reminds me of some kind of squash. It has yellow flowers and thorns. There are ten flowers/seed pods on each stem although not all of them are developing. Any ideas on what it is?Thanks for your help. Irene

[azoria]

Looks like some kind of thistle. Generally invasive. Get rid of it before it goes to seed.

[paperhouse]

Originally Posted by azoria

Looks like some kind of thistle. Generally invasive. Get rid of it before it goes to seed.

that would be my guess as well. If the seed pods open, they scatter with the wind much further than dandelions.

[irenefp]

Thank you for your replies. I looked at all the pictures of thistle that I could find and the leaves are very different than the ones on my plant. Most of them had daisy type leaves. I'll see if I can find some more pictures. Meanwhile, I'll keep an eye on my plant and if the pods/fruit/whatever look like they are ready to open, I'll take action.

[wit-nit]

Looks to be in the mallow family. Possibly venice mallow?

[si33]

.....the plant in question is known as buffalo bur or solanum rostratum....a great description and pictures of this plant are on the dave's garden website...though it is an interesting plant to watch grow,id definately get rid of it...its a highly invasive weed...i just removed about 3 garbage bags full of this stuff from a client's yard....also there is a picture of it taking over several dozen aceres on dave's site...

[wit-nit]

Originally Posted by si33

.....the plant in question is known as buffalo bur or solanum rostratum....a great description and pictures of this plant are on the dave's garden website...though it is an interesting plant to watch grow,id definately get rid of it...its a highly invasive weed...i just removed about 3 garbage bags full of this stuff from a client's yard....also there is a picture of it taking over several dozen aceres on dave's site...

Good call...yes very invasive.

[irenefp]

Thanks to you all. I checked out Buffalo Bur at Dave's Garden website and it looks like my mystery plant. Glad the mystery has been solved. I'll pass the info on to my friends who have been searching for the answer for me. From Dave's Garden website it appears that the plant mostly grows in the west and midwest. Wonder how it got to my backyard in Long Island, New York.

Thanks again to everyone and especially si33 and nitram.

Irene