Web Site Cover Picture 473

2nd September 2013

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A New Weed for Red House
We are used to a weed or two at Red House but they are usually the familiar docks, nettles and ragworts that do their best to grow in the paddocks around the estate. Hence, it was quite a surprise to see this strange plant growing in the old chicken run next to Adam and Eve. It is called a thornapple or jimson weed, stands about 4 feet (1.20m) tall and originates from North America but is now widespread throughout the world. The flowers are a very attractive creamy white and the seed pods are covered in (as Jan Gordon is about to discover in the picture) very sharp spikes. It belongs to the nightshade family and, although it has varied medicinal properties, it is poisonous when eaten. We are not sure where it came from, possibly a seed was dropped by a passing bird but, owing to its toxicity, it will be removed before the seeds get chance to spread.

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