I have a large, 5 foot weed with flat green leaves (similar to hollyhock leaves). It has green spikey balls.

Question

This plant is growing in our vegetable garden, and we originally thought it may be an okra plant that came from last year. It is definitely not okra, but has intrigued us so we let it grow.

The stalk is about an inch and a half in diameter and the plant is almost 5 feet tall. The leaves are flat and broad with very pale purple flowers. The flowers are like a tiny squash blossom and then they turn into green spikey balls. These balls get almost baseball size.

People keep suggesting it is a thistle, but it is not like any thistle I have ever seen. Is there a good website with weeds and pictures?

Thanks!

Answer 1

It sounds like a variety of Datura--"moonflower" which is very poisonous to eat, has supposed hallucinogenic properties, and is an altogether invasive beast. Each of those spiky pods contain thousands upon thousands of seeds. Cut them off before they dry out and start spreading.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datura

Answer 2

I believe it to be a type of thistle,it grows wild in the country side.Or else it could be a type of wild garlic.If it is hard spikes I would say thistle,called Sea holly.