An unknown (to me) Composite

[Camilo]

I found this plant flowering profusely on 16 December. It was in a churchyard and so it may have been planted - but I don't think so. Does anybody have a clue that they could pass on?

[Hedera]

It may be a garden flower of the Rudbeckia type - don't know the name, sorry!

[Dorts]

I agree with Hedera, it could well be a Rudbeckia or similar. There are a number of smaller 'bedding' varieties now avilable.
I can think of no native species that fits, so probably planted, and obviously doing well.
Dorts.

[Camilo]

Well thanks for this. I admit to being unable to get near. Also we have agricultural fields not too far away where woollen shoddy was applied as fertilizer in the past. Seeds caught in the wool have introduced alien species which lie in wait to trap the would-be botanist.

Again, many thanks and have a good Christmas

[Dorts]

Originally Posted by Camilo

Well thanks for this. I admit to being unable to get near. Also we have agricultural fields not too far away where woollen shoddy was applied as fertilizer in the past. Seeds caught in the wool have introduced alien species which lie in wait to trap the would-be botanist.
Again, many thanks and have a good Christmas

Some botanists would die for a 'shoddy-field'. Not so common these days, but as you say, alien plants can pop-up, often for years after. My only record for the wonderfull Long-headed Clover- ssp. incarnatum came from a one-time shoddy field.
Dorts.

[The Woodman]

Presumably "shoddy" is the rubbish left behind after the wool is processed?

[Dorts]

Originally Posted by The Woodman

Presumably "shoddy" is the rubbish left behind after the wool is processed?

For many years 'shoddy', which is a byproduct, a sort of unwanted debris of the wool textile industry, was used by farmers as fertiliser for their fields. It included much untreated wool which still contained many fertile alien seeds.
I can remember botanists interested in aliens, would flock to such farms where a vast array of strange plants would appear.
Shoddy is still avalable but is used far less these days, which is surprising, as it has a lot going for it and is totally natural.
Dorts.

[The Woodman]

Thanks for the explanation Dorts.

Was wool imported in the raw which contained alien seeds?

Locally, the waste from a paper mill is spread on the fields and I believe is sold to farmers as a soil improver. No aliens there but it does look like it has snowed.

Etymology of "shoddy"....

1. (adj.) shoddy
of inferior quality or workmanship.

2. shoddy
rude or inconsiderate; shabby.

3. (n.) shoddy
a fiber made from reclaimed wool, generally of a longer staple and of better quality than mungo.

4. shoddy
a low-grade fabric made from this, usu. in combination with other fibers.

5. shoddy
an inferior product, merchandise, etc.

[aeshna5]

Looks like a Sanvitalia species/variety which have become popular in hanging baskets, tubs, etc.

[Dorts]

Originally Posted by The Woodman

Was wool imported in the raw which contained alien seeds?

Yes, it was imported in bales of fleece staight from the sheeps back.

Thanks for the Etymology. Yes it's where we get the sayings, "Shoddy goods" from.

Originally Posted by aeshna5

Looks like a Sanvitalia species/variety which have become popular in hanging baskets, tubs, etc.

Thanks for that aeshna5, not one I'm familiar with. Is it from the New World do you know?
Dorts.