What’s this plant in our haylage?

[asmp]

I can spot growing ragwort at a 100m in a field but am hoping this isn’t it in our haylage. I’m sure you knowledgeable lot will know!

 

[oldie48]

I think it could be but there are other plants that look similar. I have haylage made from my 7 acre field and walk it regularly to ragwort spot. I usually find the odd bit and remove it. The farmer who does the mowing for me, does the same and just occasionally finds the odd bit too, either when mowing or turning. The seeds blow in on the wind, I think as there's never any growing in the fields that surround us.

 

[HappyHollyDays]

Looks like thistle to me.

 

[Redders]

Looks a bit like groundsel to me but need a good leaf photo ideally

 

[cobgoblin]

It looks a bit suspicious.
Have you tried crushing and smelling it?

 

[irishdraft]

Sow thistle I think

 

[cauda equina]

What's the stem like? Ragwort stem is pretty hard and unsquashable, even when dried/dead

 

[Gloi]

Can you get a good picture of one of the leaves

 

[windand rain]

Catsears a bit like a multiheaded dandelion or possibly coltsfoot

 

[Chuffy99]

Sow or sweet thistle

 

[laura_nash]

I have the Picture This app for plant recognition, but it didn't like that picture. If you could post a good leaf or flower close up I could try again.

 

[asmp]

Stem and a few dried leaves - not very identifiable IMO.

 

[asmp]

It looks a bit suspicious.
Have you tried crushing and smelling it?

What should it smell like?!!! Don’t think I’d remember.

 

[asmp]

I have the Picture This app for plant recognition, but it didn't like that picture. If you could post a good leaf or flower close up I could try again.

 

[brighteyes]

How big is it?

 

[cauda equina]

Ragwort, several years old
I keep a corpse for comparison on occasions just like yours!

 

[cobgoblin]

What should it smell like?!!! Don’t think I’d remember.

Ragwort smells really acrid and bitter, but I've never smelt dried stuff.

 

[asmp]

Ragwort, several years old
I keep a corpse for comparison on occasions just like yours!

View attachment 66259View attachment 66259

The leaves look very different

 

[cauda equina]

Your stem appears to be smoother and shinier too

 

[sport horse]

I dont think ragwort has that white hairy look as the flower dies but Groundsel does.

 

[hobo]

I would think it is sow thistle which is Maggie's favourite plant when fresh. If you are not 100% happy with it throw it away the weed not the whole bale.

 

[cobgoblin]

View attachment 66256

This pic looks as though there are too many petals for ragwort.

 

[meleeka]

I think it’s ragwort. I had some in hay and sent it to Prof Knottelbelt who asked someone at the uni to have a look and they confirmed it was.

 

[Regandal]

Looks like a type of thistle.

 

[cobgoblin]

Found an old thread with pics
https://forums.horseandhound.co.uk/threads/identifying-ragwort-in-hay-also-in-veterinary.590391/

 

[laura_nash]

View attachment 66256

According to Picture This that is Narrowleaf Hawkesbeard.

 

[Arzada]

According to Picture This that is Narrowleaf Hawkesbeard.

What a great name!

 

[asmp]

According to Picture This that is Narrowleaf Hawkesbeard.

I’m really hoping it is this. So many different answers with some saying it is ragwort ?

 

[atropa]

Definitely looks like some type of thistle to me