Stace describes this introduced plant as a pernicious weed of garden paths and he's not wrong. This plant arrived about 10 years ago on our path and the best weed killer won't get rid of it probably because it produces abundant seed. In hot weather, touching a ripe pods results in an explosive distribution of seeds.

O. corniculata is common in England and Wales but becomes less common as you travel north. It is uncommon in the Highland and north of Scotland. It is only found in a few sites in Ireland.

Garden Pat and flower beds, Cheshire 18th September 2009

Added on 27th May 2005, corrected 15th Feb 2006, updated 25th January 2011