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 Max Licher @http://swbiodiversity.org, Usage Rights: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA) | | | | | |
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Origin:
Introduced
Life Cycle:
Biennial or annual Similar Species: Centaurea solstitialis
General Desc:
The winged stem is stiff, openly branched and covered with cottony short soft hairs.
Identification notes: Flower heads of 1/2 to 1 inch, usually on stems, not concealed by foliar bracts, spine tipped phyllaries (bracts) , spines under 1/2 inch long and phyllary appendages that are spiny fringed distinguish this from other Centaurea sp.
Height:
2 to 3 feet
Habitat Description: This starthistle prefers disturbed and open areas, including grasslands, woodlands, agricultural fields, and roadsides.
Plant Communities:
Desert Scrub, Interior Chaparral, Semidesert Grasslands, Pinyon Juniper Woodland, Montane Conifer Forest, Riparian, Disturbed Areas
Elevation: Below 7200 feet
Color:
Yellow
Shape:
Daisy or dandelion-like not in clusters
Tubular:
N
Flowering Period:
Apr - Jul
Description:
Flower heads are surrounded by sharp, straw-colored 3/4 inch thorns. One to few flower heads at branch tips are borne singly or in open
arrays.
Leaf Color:
Gray-green
Leaf Type:
Simple
Leaf Shape:
Narrow
Leaf Margin:
Lobed
Leaf Attachment:
Basal and alternate
Leaves Clasp:
N
Hairs:
Leaves and stems
Spines:
N
Leaf Description:
Basal leaves are deeply lobed, while the upper leaves are entire and sharply pointed. Leaves are resin dotted. Margins of the leaves can be smooth, toothed, or wavy depending on the individual plant and its maturity.
Fruit Color: Light brown
Fruit Type: Achene
Seed Notes: Seed production is highly variable from year to year and plant to plant.
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