Anyone Know What This Is?

I have this 'plant' in the garden. It arrived about 4 years ago, from where I have no idea. It dies back every year to nothing, it flowers every year and each year there are more stems. The stems all start from one clump (technical term! ), reach about 18 - 20 inches and the flowers come off the stalk, they don't have their own litle stems, if you know what I mean. I have looked in all my books and asked lots of people but no-one knows !!

looks like a weed to me

Thanks Fred, you're a great help!!!!

allways try to

I have to say it too, it does look like a weed. (hiding under the table)

Ian

Don't know what is is? but I don't think its a weed, could be a wildflower. any close up pics AL?

I know what you're saying Ian, but if it is, surely someone has seen it before. I have to say I don't think it is, if only becouse it doesn't act like a weed - as in it's non invasive, doesn't throw seeds etc. etc.

try this, you put in the particulars and it finds it - you have maybe done this already
http://www.reticule.co.uk/flora/

Hi Het, I've just attempted to take a close up, not very good but here goes

I think its this

http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopE...s/liatrus1.htm

Spike Gayfeather - sounds like a dodgy drag act