General Question

Mariah's avatar

What is this weed?

Asked by Mariah (25883points) June 9th, 2011

There is a weed that grows around my area that fascinates me. It blooms a small yellow flower in the early summer. In the late summer, the blooms close and form a seed pod about 1cm in length, positioned vertically, and shaped sort of like a skinny bullet. These seed pods, when touched, shoot tiny black seeds about the size of poppy seeds out. The leaves on this plant are perfect heart shapes and are about the size of clover leaves.

Anyone recognize this description and know what this is? I’d love to read more about it. I could probably find a patch around my yard and post a picture tomorrow, if need be.

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9 Answers

funkdaddy's avatar

Maybe Yellow Woodsorrel or something similar?

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Hibernate's avatar

The picture would help ^^

gailcalled's avatar

It sounds like the common yellow violet to me. Leaves, flower and seed pods match the description. I love mine, which grow in my damp spring shade garden.

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Mariah's avatar

I am almost positive @funkdaddy hit the nail on the head. Here’s a photo of the leaves, one flower, and several of the seed pods for those who asked.

gailcalled's avatar

Woodsorrel has a leave with three-lobes, similar to a large clover leaf. The flower looks like sorrel but if the leaf is heart-shaped, it might be something else.

And wood sorrel propagates by bulbs and not seeds.

Wild flowers in the spring with yellow blossoms are common.

Mariah's avatar

@gailcalled Hmm, I’m surprised to hear that. Check this page out if you’d like; the pictures and descriptions seem spot-on. I’ll keep my eyes open.

gailcalled's avatar

@Marian: Aha. It’s not taxonomy but language. The leaf has three heart-shaped lobes.

incendiary_dan's avatar

If it tastes a bit sour, then it’s woodsorrel. If it has a bitter salad tasty, it’s some sort of clover.

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