Skeleton
Weed - Chondrilla juncea
Family: Asteraceae
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Description
Skeleton weed is a highly branched wiry stemmed biennial or perennial
up to 1.5 m tall, with milky sap. The lowermost 4-6 in. of the stem have
downward bent coarse red hairs. A dandelion-like basal rosette of sharply
toothed leaves whithers as the stem develops. The cauline leaves are small
and inconspicuous. The inflorescence is a head containing 7-15 strap-shaped
yellow ray flowers distinctly toothed at the margin. The small brown-to-black
ribbed achenes are terminated by a pappus of white capillary bristles.
Interesting facts
Skeleton weed is common along roadsides, in fields, pastures, vineyards,
and waste places. It easily establishes on disturbed sites. A single plant
can annually produce up to 15,000 seeds.
Skeleton weed displaces native species. The deep root system which can
extend up to 8 ft in the soil makes the plant difficult to control.
Links to more information
Website, video, and graphics by Rob Nelson
For more information on this plant or management please contact US Army Corp of Engineers
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