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 Stem Willow Dells TrSue Smith |  Flower bud Willow Dells TrSue Smith |  Phyllaries Willow Dells TrSue Smith |  Leaves Willow Dells TrSue Smith |  Plant - summer Aspen Creek TrSue Smith |  Young plant - spring Willow Dells TrSue Smith |
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Origin:
Native
Life Cycle:
Biennial or perennial
General Desc:
Erect tall biennial or perennial; basal leaf rosette first year; leaf bases extend down stems as spiny wings; flower heads squashed-ball shaped, erect, white to lavender or pink, with reflexed, spine-tipped outer bracts.
Identification notes: Stems stout, branching above the middle, hairy with tangled, woolly hairs. Basal leaves sessile or with winged stems, leaves reduced up the stem. Flower heads purple, pink or white, outer flower bracts reflexed (bent downward), stems without spiny wings.
Height:
1 to 7 feet
Habitat Description: Dry slopes, plains, mesas, roadsides, canyons.
Plant Communities:
Desert Scrub, Interior Chaparral, Semidesert Grasslands, Pinyon Juniper Woodland
Elevation: 1000 - 6500 feet
Color:
White to pink to purple
Shape:
Daisy or dandelion-like not in clusters
Tubular:
N
Flowering Period:
Mar - Jul
Description:
Flower head is 2 to 3 inches wide, disc flower only, thin tubular disc flowers on a spherical green base of spiny bracts; outer bracts point downwards.
Leaf Color:
Dark green
Leaf Type:
Simple
Leaf Shape:
Triangular
Leaf Margin:
Lobed
Leaf Attachment:
Basal and alternate
Leaves Clasp:
Y
Hairs:
Leaves and stems
Spines:
Y
Leaf Description:
Oblong leaves, 2-1/2 to 14 inches long, coarsely lobed with each lobe ending in a sharp spine; upper leaves are much smaller, clasping. Leaf surfaces hairy with tangled, woolly hairs.
Fruit Color: Dark brown
Fruit Type: Achene
Fruit Notes: Achenes topped with bristles.
Seed Notes: Seeds a favorite of goldfinches.
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