Two plants for ID

[jdoherty]

I took these photos in Northern Ireland during the summer of 2007. The first I should really know as it is very common and the second is a type of grass. I'd appreciate IDs.

Thanks, John.

[Gill Catton]

A horsetail for the first one (possibly giant horse Equisitum telmateia)
and yorkshire fog for the second (Holcus lanatus)

[naturelover]

years ago there was a saying that horsetail only grew on graves,any one else hear of this?.

[Meta menardi]

Originally Posted by naturelover

years ago there was a saying that horsetail only grew on graves,any one else hear of this?.

I think there are many people who wish this were so. If you have Horsetail, you probably have got it for ever.

I agree the grass is Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire Fog). As a grass, it is unpalatable to grazing animals, but when in flower and as a seed head it can be very attractive.

[jdoherty]

Thanks for the IDs. I took the photo of the grass but I did think it looked interesting.

John

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Gill Catton

A horsetail for the first one (possibly giant horse Equisitum telmateia)
and yorkshire fog for the second (Holcus lanatus)

Agree with both of these!

[tufftie]

Originally Posted by naturelover

years ago there was a saying that horsetail only grew on graves,any one else hear of this?.

The only reference I could find to this was reports of horsetail growing on newly dug graves in London - I imagine because they can easily take hold in the lose soil. Not quite sure the reports only relate to London though?

[jdoherty]

Thanks everyone for helping with these IDs.

John