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I'm not sure exactly which weed yours is but it looks an awful lot like many of the weeds in the Aster family. (like dandelions and certain species of Senecio) I'd watch it very carefully because I bet it will go from yellow blooms to fluffy seeds that will spread all over the place. Pick of a leaf and see if it has a milky sap. If it does, it is almost certain that this is not a plant you'd want to keep. But, to be on the safe side I would suggest posting this picture on the Plant ID forum to get more responses.
That may not actually be in the mustard family but it what is commonly called "wild mustard" around here. I'd get rid of it--they reproduce like crazy. If they were a valuable flower, I could spend all summer on the trade forum!
jspicton,
Your plant looks like an azalea. They like good fertile soil and light shade or an east facing location. If you plant it in the ground, leave the root ball slightly elevated (don't bury it or even plant it even with the soil line). Also don't cover the root ball with mulch. Mulch around it but leave the roots where they can get some air. This is the time of year they bloom down here but I think it's early up there in your part of the country so keep it inside for a while. I'd introduce it to the outdoors slowly.
It is definitely an Azalea--BUT--it may be a Floral Azalea. These are NOT winter hardy and have to be treated as houseplants.
However--I have never seen a Floral Azalea in a standard form--so, it may be a hardy Azalea. Really not sure! The Florals have all the fancy, double blooms. That is what is making me a bit suspicious that it may be a Floral...Call the florist it came from and ask...
Being it has been trained as a standard (tree shape), you have to remember that here is only ONE stem supplying the whole plant with water and nutrients, so some extra care may need to be had in watering, fertilizing, and such.
It is really, really important that you find out which kind of an Azalea it is.
jspicton,
Its definately a florist azalea. It has been babied for wuite a while to reach this beautiful stage. If you have the space in the refridgerator you might be able to force it to bloom. I will try to look it up and get back to you the specifics on forcing it,
Dave
