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common crupina
Scientific Name: Crupina vulgaris var. vulgaris
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Common Crupina (Crupina vulgaris)
Crupina vulgaris, commonly known as common crupina or bearded-creeper (also sometimes referred to as false saw-wort), is a flowering plant belonging to the aster family, Asteraceae.
Considerations for Pets
- Common crupina can form solid stands, which decreases forage for livestock.
- The plant is considered unpalatable.
Considerations for Children
- Seeds are about the size of a kernel of wheat.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Crupina vulgaris Cass.
- Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family or Compositae)
- Synonyms: Crupina acuta, C. pauciflora, Centaurea acuta, C. crupina, C. tenuifolia, C. vulgaris
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to southern Europe and the eastern Mediterranean region.
- Introduced to North America and found in western rangelands.
- Specific locations include California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
- Though not yet detected in Canada, the plant has invaded western rangelands.
- First reported in west-central Idaho in 1969.
Ecological Role
- Considered a Federal Noxious Weed and a Class A Noxious Weed in Washington State due to its limited distribution.
- An invasive plant that contaminates hay and other forage crops, significantly reducing their quality.
- Forms solid stands, decreasing forage for livestock.
- Avoided by cattle.
- Has invaded grassland, shrub and minimally disturbed lands.
Morphological Characteristics
- Winter annual, growing 1-4 ft (0.3-1.2 m) tall, or up to 1 meter.
- Erect and slender annual herb.
- Slender stems.
- Small pink to purple flowers, blooming in May.
- Dark seeds about the size of a kernel of wheat; black with a stiff structure.
- Leaves are alternate, finely dissected, and develop short structures.
- Basal leaves oblong and undivided, usually not present.
- Rosette leaf margins smooth to slightly toothed.
- Achenes subcylindrical, 3-5 mm long X 1.5-4 mm in diameter, with persistent pappus of several rows of stiff forwardly structures.
- Common crupina seedling with the red or purple midrib showing.
Quirky Facts
- Common crupina seedlings can be identified by their red or purple midrib.
- The plant is considered unpalatable and avoided by cattle.
Further Information
- USDA symbol: CRVU2
- Image source: USDA APHIS PPQ Archive, Bugwood.org (Image Number: 1149103)
- Metro King County: http://splash.metrokc.gov/wlr/lands/Weeds/crup.htm
- Idahoweedawareness.org
- Utah State University