What is this? Help

[Gryphongardner78]

Was out in my garden the other day and this sucker and its close friend shot up in a about a week or so. It is where I had planted some spinach but I don't believe any came up. I have never grown spinach before so I guess I am at a loss. Or I am just having this major brain fart. Also have the third one up along the front of my home, and would like to know if its useful or just decoration. It is my intention over the future years to rid myself of plants&trees that aren't useful, if you get my meaning.

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[Lindsaylew82]

The first is pokeweed. I'm not a fan of it. A lot of people cook it around here. I'm sure you've heard of Poke Sallat. It's toxic and requires special cooking. All parts of the plant are toxic. It eventually makes loads of dark purple ink berries that the birds devour and then find the nearest neatly planted mulched bed to poop out the seeds.

I hate them. I pull them as soon as I see them.

I need to do some looking for the others. BRB.

[Lindsaylew82]

In the first and second picture I think there is wild amaranth there as well. I can't see it very well, but I think so.

It's edible, but make sure that's what it is. Idk of its safety when planted that close to toxic plants.

Eta: the more I look at it, the more I think it's just pokeweed too...

[Lindsaylew82]

I think I've got the last one!

I think it's Kobold gayfeather.

If say it's very useful as an attractant to beneficial predatory insects! They keep your bad bugs in check. Plus it really pretty and it looks well established! I cannot find any information in regards to its culinary or medicinal uses. It is a member of the "aster" family.

I vote keep!

[rainbowgardener]

Lindsay did a good job of identifying your plants, but see this thread for a different take on pokeberry:

https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/vi ... 52&t=58354