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 Leaves http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/11511750, CC BY-NC (Attribution-Non-Commercial) |  Plant USDA, NRCS. 2021. PLANTS Database | | | | |
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Origin:
Introduced
Life Cycle:
Perennial
General Desc:
New stems arise from deep creeping roots, resulting in patches of plants; stems slender, smooth, branched above; male, female flowers usually on separate plants; spiny leaves, stems topped by single flower heads of disc flowers only.
Identification notes: Colonies of plants from creeping roots; stems not winged; basal and stem leaves narrow, usually lobed, lobes spine tipped; flower heads of disc flowers only, single or in stemmed clusters, male and female flower heads usually on separate plants.
Height:
12 to 39 inches
Habitat Description: Disturbed sites, fields, pastures, roadsides, forest openings.
Plant Communities:
Desert Scrub, Interior Chaparral, Semidesert Grasslands, Pinyon Juniper Woodland, Montane Conifer Forest, Disturbed Areas
Elevation: Below 8530 feet
Color:
Pinkish-purple, white
Shape:
Daisy or dandelion-like in elongated clusters
Tubular:
N
Flowering Period:
Jun - Oct
Description:
1 to several flower heads at ends of stems; female flower heads urn-shaped, less than 1 inch across; male flower heads smaller and rounder; smooth green bracts below flowers look like small green leaves or scales; plants usually all female or all male.
Leaf Color:
Dark green
Leaf Type:
Simple
Leaf Shape:
Narrow
Leaf Margin:
Lobed
Leaf Attachment:
Alternate
Leaves Clasp:
Y
Hairs:
Leaves and stems
Spines:
Y
Leaf Description:
Grooved, upright, hollow, woody stems, branch near top; alternate, lance-shaped leaves, dark green, shiny surface, slightly clasping stem; lower leaves largest, size decreases upward; leaf edges smooth to irregularly lobed, spiny margined.
Fruit Color: Brown
Fruit Type: Achene
Fruit Notes: 1/4 inch long; tufted with long white hairs.
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