What the hell is this?

[ub7rm]

Could anyone tell me what this tree/weed thing is?

It spreads and grows like wildfire.

Here's a close up, the brown flowery things go purple at certain times of the year

And a shot of this monster, It was only a quarter of this size two years ago. There is a couple of smaller ones that I cut back to the roots at the beginning of the year and its already taller than I am.

Any ideas how I can poison the bugger / get rid of it / them for good?

Napalm seems like the best option but thats sure to bring objections from the authorities

 

[Geometer]

It's Buddleia (Buddleia davidii), a prolific self-seeder, grows anywhere, a bugger to get rid of but good for butterflies. Cutting it back to ground level in Feb/March will keep it manageable, but if you want to get rid, try spraying fresh spring growth with Roundup (or other Glyphosate-based weedkiller). It may take one or two applications. Follow manufacturer's instructions.

HTH
Geometer

 

[Bankrupt]

For some reason I cant see your photos ( I just see a square with an X ) , but from the description I suspect that it's a Triffid.

 

[Bankrupt]

The triffid is a highly venomous plant species, the titular antagonist from John Wyndham's 1951 novel The Day of the Triffids.

 

[ub7rm]

I think Geometer gets the prize, it does seem to attract butterflies.

Thanks for the tip, I'd advise people to buy shares in Roundup

Is there any truth that copper nails will kill trees?

It seems to like growing in walls, and the cement skews of my roof

 

[Thermo]

it will dig out very easily. copper nails are a load of old tosh!

 

[Stivino]

It's definately Buddleia, also known as butterfly bush.

 

[simonpolly]

Its a golf gti mk6

 

[Geometer]

it will dig out very easily.

Not necessarily - Easy enough when it's growing in soil, but the roots can go quite deep into walls or paving, and unless you get it all out it can regenerate from quite small fragments. It's not as bad as Japanese Knotweed though.

copper nails are a load of old tosh!

True

Note to ub7rm - cut off the seedheads now, or you'll find lots of little buddleia plants springing up from your paving etc. next year

 

[Diyisfun]

Prune it & keep it. I cut mine back when it finishes flowering.
Not only does it look nice, it encourages butterflys/moths etc.

 

[r896neo]

dig it up and plant it gutter and on your chimney to match the other squatters house in the street.

 

[ub7rm]

Its a golf gti mk6

Ha ha, small world

 

[ub7rm]

dig it up and plant it gutter and on your chimney to match the other squatters house in the street.