Weed Identification Help Please

[gecko]

Hi All

I'm still new at this and have been clearing vast tracts of our plot this week whilst on leave from work. Came across the usual suspects (redshank, bindweed, fat hen, dock, thistle etc), but the most rampant weed at one end of hte plot has me stumped.

It's widespread and very quick growing, some of hte plants are about 2ft high. It grows from a single (tap?) root and two stems immediately branch off above ground. The stems are directly opposite each other. After an inch or so more growth, it produces another two stems opposite each other, and in the other 180 degrees to the first set.

The leaves are long and pointed at the end, with "lumps" at the stem end of the leaf. Flowers are tiny white plumes.

It's extremely tough, and difficult to pull unless you loosen the ground all around with a fork.

The closest match I've found looking on the web is sheeps sorrel, but the growth pattern doesn't sound right.

I've tried to capture it in pics but not sure how useful they are as the sun was so bright today that the screen on the camera was not much use!

I'm keen to know if this is a perennial or an annual.

If anyones able to identify this I'd be most grateful  ;D

Thanks in advance.

[gecko]

[jennym]

Not familiar with this one. I guess, that if it has a taproot, it's either a perennial or a biennial weed. Checked out a few books, could be Canadian fleabane (Erigeron canadensis)

[flowerlady]

Would it be possible to put up a photo of the flowers?

I don't think it can be sheeps sorrel, they are dock family, and have reddish branched spikes.

[bongo]

can you eat it or brew it????????????? ;D :P