I have alot of the number one weed too. They are shallow rooted and easy to pull even when they get big. I have never seen them flower, but have noticed that they will get a "bumpy" enlarged stem as they grow larger, which suggests that may be where the seed form. Some years, they're more numerous than others. I pull them on sight and that controls them.

Yep, Cleome, sometimes called "Spider Flower". The soil must be fabulous to get such good growth. I love those cottage garden annuals. It will reseed, and you will have lots more in a few months. The seedlings must be moved before they get 3" tall because they resent messing with the little hair roots. Enjoy!

yes, it totally could be. This house had a well tended garden, but in the last couple years I think the owner had some health issues, and we all know how fast weed can take over. I was curious so I let it go, one of the few I did let go. I can't see the leaves at all, they are under the cover of the hosta, and I don't think they are very attractive. But, that particular yellow colored bloom and flower shape seems to look nice to me with the lupine. I'd like to try and emulate that look with something with nicer foliage. If anyone has any suggestions as to what my bloom with the lupine and resemble that sort of color and light, airy, flower, I'd love to hear them. Thank you linaria_gw!

Thanks for the further input! There are a few reasons I think I'll get rid of them. One, this isn't MEANT to be an informal spot, lol! But the bed has been neglected and gotten overgrown, and I'm trying to reclaim it. I do leave certain reseeders in for fillers, but this bed has gotten full of them and I need to remove many of them to put in other plants. Two, they aren't doing anything. Like I said, they look exactly as they did in May. I have very little sun in my garden and want to fill it with plants I want and plants that perform. If they are perennial rudbeckia they should have flowered this year, no? Three, while I will remove most of them, something tells me they'll be back and I'll have another opportunity to decide whether to keep them or not! The photo shows about one square foot of a bed that is at least 20 by 10 feet, and there are MANY of these seedlings, so some will certainly be missed, or roots will be left, etc. So I'm sure there will be some next year too! And actually, when it comes down to it, because I do have such a hard time ripping out seedlings, I'll probably end up replanting one or two in a suitable spot and see what happens.... Thank you everyone. As always, your input is much appreciated! :) Dee