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 Leaves Willow Lake TrSue Smith |  Young plant - spring Willow Lake TrSue Smith |  Plant - spring Granite Mtn - Tr 308Sue Smith |  Stem spines and latex Willow Lake TrSue Smith |  Seed pods Willow Lake TrSue Smith |  Spines - back of leaf Willow Lake TrSue Smith |
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Origin:
Native
Life Cycle:
Perennial
General Desc:
An upright plant with large white flowers and very spiny stems and leaves.
Identification notes: Erect perennial to 4 feet tall. Prickly stems, leaves and seed capsules. Orange latex. Clasping bluish-green leaves are divided into sharp, tooth-like lobes. Large white solitary flowers at ends of branches have yellow centers.
Height:
1-1/2 to 4 feet
Habitat Description: Grows abundantly in overgrazed or otherwise disturbed soils such as along highways. Likes mesas and washes.
Plant Communities:
Interior Chaparral, Semidesert Grasslands, Pinyon Juniper Woodland, Disturbed Areas
Elevation: 3500 - 6000 feet
Color:
White
Shape:
Regular not in clusters
Tubular:
N
Flowering Period:
Apr - Nov
Description:
Flowers to 5 inches wide with 4 to 6 slightly cupped, tissue-paper thin, slightly overlapping, crinkled petals and numerous bright orange stamens.
Leaf Color:
Bluish-green
Leaf Type:
Simple
Leaf Shape:
Narrow
Leaf Margin:
Lobed
Leaf Attachment:
Alternate
Leaves Clasp:
Y
Hairs:
No
Spines:
Y
Leaf Description:
Leaves are spiny, deeply lobed, lance-shaped and clasp the stem, uppermost leaves sometimes clasping. When cut, the stem oozes an orange latex substance.
Fruit Color: Green
Fruit Type: Capsule
Fruit Notes: Bumpy, spiny, oblong, erect green capsule, 1 to 2 inches long, which turns brown.
Seed Notes: Tiny, pitted dark seeds.
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