These are a bit of a tease in that seeing just the leaves of a plant, it can be difficult to identify it, especially if the leaves in the first year of growth are different from the mature plant in its second season. This clump of leaves caught my eye because they were very distinct and looked gorgeous with the strong light shining through them, every vein and crease being highlighted. It took me quite a while to arrive at a tentative identification. I think they belong to the Common Teasel. There are lots of these new growth plants scattered around the village, especially on the western margin where the area that is now occupied by new-build houses arranged on a steep slope was originally a field full of 6 foot high teasels before it was developed twenty years ago. Time will tell if I have got this right. I will follow the progress of the plants as the year unfolds.
Jessica's Nature Blog 
I think it is a teasel, the spines down the main rib on the back of the leaves are typical. Thanks for your pictures and blog. Keep safe.
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The spines on the underside of the leaf make this definitely Teasel
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Thank you, Tony. Your help is appreciated. I am cautious with identifications because I know that there is always someone who knows more than I do!
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They certainly get about. An outrageous tease and possibly a bit of a carnivore.
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Thank you, Gordon, I did look the identification up in several books but sometimes it can still be confusing. I am really looking forward to seeing the teasel flowers now. With this warm weather and plenty of sun I don’t think it will be too many weeks away.
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Do you think it might be like the invasion of the Triffids?
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My first thoughts on seeing the leaves was horseradish. Are the edge of the leaves finely serated ? If so probably horseradish.
Robert not a coconut
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Thanks for the suggestion, Robert. Unfortunately I did not include a scale in the photos, and the leaves are a lot bigger than wild radish and have a different venation pattern. I am told by other readers that the spines on the underside midrib are a diagnostic feature of the common wild teasel (Dipsacus fullonum). Thanks anyway.
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Oh teasels! I love the word and the plant. And triffids? I am a big fan (of the book. Not triffids themselves).
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I am thinking that there is something in common between the scenario in the ‘Day of the Triffids’ and the current one with the coronavirus pandemic.
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Yes, I have thought that too. I have a copy of the book but have not felt up to rereading it right now for this very reason (I did think of it and think about about it, but…no.)
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I can understand why, Claudia. Best to keep the spirit up.
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