Can someone identify this plant?

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Permalink Reply by Protheroe O'Shea on March 9, 2013 at 16:04

accanthus. very very easy to grow

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Permalink Reply by Alison P on March 9, 2013 at 16:05

It is acanthus, bears breeches I think is the common name. Hate to say this Dick but is almost impossible to get rid of it!

I like it, but so do snails, which rules it out for me.

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Permalink Reply by Hugh on March 9, 2013 at 16:23

There are two varieties, mollis, the one pictured and spinosis and spikey variety.

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Permalink Reply by Protheroe O'Shea on March 9, 2013 at 17:05

The snails love it but it spreads. Especially once you dig it up. It just needs the tiniest bit of root. But I love them as do the bees. I grow the spinosis now as the snails are not so into them.

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Permalink Reply by Dick Harris on March 9, 2013 at 18:38

Many thanks.  HoL is much quicker than my mother's botany books!

As to snails, last year they ravaged my hollyhocks and angelica but kept away from everything else. I shall not be deterred on their account but, if I plant any acanthus, I'll make sure it's in a spot where it can't spread.

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