Weed or small plant taking over my garden

[ramageftw]

Hello all.

First time poster here. Recently bought a new house and getting right into sorting out my garden.

I have a question regarding a small plant that seems to crop up all over my front garden. Mostly in the soil but lately coming up throughout the stones too. I can't quite figure out what it is. When it was smaller it looked like clover but it's since grown and changed shape so really no idea.

It's also spreading quite quickly so any advice on how to get rid of it would also be appreciated!

Photos below ranging from early life cycle to a few months old

 

[Tjohn]

Looks like Wild Purslane.

 

[Mrsclem]

Wartweed- Euphorbia helioscopia

 

[Owdboggy]

Yep, that's the one. A right pain too Watch out for the sap, it is a bit unpleasant if you get it in your eyes.

 

[ramageftw]

Wartweed- Euphorbia helioscopia

Yeah, that seems exactly what it is. Did not realise it was poisonous as well. I've been digging that up with bare hands :S

Looks like the best way to get rid of it too is good old fashioned elbow grease

 

[alp]

The 2nd one is a euphorbia and some people call that a plant. Euphorbias should be handled with care. The others are regular visitors to my garden. There is no way of getting rid of the critters!

Welcome to the forum, @ramageftw !

 

[Marck]

All three photos in the OP show seedlings of Sun Spurge (Euphorbia helioscopia), with the second shot also showing a flowering plant.
Euphorbia helioscopia is an annual spurge that is native throughout most Eurasia, as well as the British Isles, Japan, Taiwan, Hainan, and North Africa. Though it is considered a weed in some gardens, other gardeners welcome this striking Spring wildflower.
Like most Euphorbia this plant is toxic, though these same toxic compounds have also inspired a variety of purported medical uses.