Shepherd's Needle - becoming rare.

[Chris J]

Shepherd's Needle - Scandix pecten-veneris. It used to be a common weed of farm crops, but now in decline.
These are the needle-like fruits that give it its name - the flowers are rather non-descript, reminiscent of small flower heads of cow parsley.

Difficult to get the camera on to this because of the surrounding vegetation, but have managed to capture the length and sharpness of the fruits.



Sorry about the blackfly.....
50D + 24-105L with EF 12mm extension tube.

If interested in arable weeds see my posting of Field Cow Wheat.

Cheers, Chris.

[Muscat]

Re: Shepherd's Needle - becoming rare.

What an unusual seed head, I don't think I have ever seen it before, again thanks for the information that makes these shots interesting for me.

[DianaS]

Re: Shepherd's Needle - becoming rare.

As above, that is very interesting - will go and check our bean crop for any unusual plants.

[DeeGee]

Re: Shepherd's Needle - becoming rare.

If you just looked at the seeds alone, they look like sunflower seeds. I have to admit I don't think I've seen this... thanks for sharing.