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rush skeletonweed

Scientific Name: Chondrilla juncea

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Rush Skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea)

Rush skeletonweed, scientifically known as Chondrilla juncea, is a perennial forb recognized for its invasive tendencies in certain regions.

Considerations for Pets

  • Rush skeletonweed contains milky sap.
  • The plant's stems can be coarse and rigid.

Considerations for Children

  • Rush skeletonweed contains milky sap.
  • The plant's stems can be coarse and rigid.

Common Names

  • Rush skeletonweed
  • Gum succory
  • Devil's rush skeletonweed
  • Hogbite
  • Skeletonweed
  • Nakedweed

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Chondrilla juncea L.
  • Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Eurasia, Central Asia, and the Mediterranean region.
  • Now found in the western United States and other regions.
  • Prefers well-drained, light soils.
  • Found on rangelands, roadsides, disturbed areas, pastures and grain fields.

Ecological Role

  • Considered an invasive species in several regions, including the western United States.
  • Poses a threat to irrigated lands, wheat areas, and rangelands.
  • Rangeland infestations can displace native and beneficial forage species.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Perennial forb, sometimes biennial.
  • Grows from 1 to 4 feet (1.2 m) tall, with some sources claiming up to 6 feet.
  • Deep taproot, up to 2.5 meters in the soil.
  • Branched stems that may appear leafless.
  • Lower 4 to 6 inches of the stems are covered with coarse hairs.
  • Yellow flowers about 3/4 inch in diameter with 7 to 15 petals, flowering from July through September.
  • Exudes milky sap.
  • Starts as a rosette in the fall, with leaves resembling a dandelion.

Quirky Facts

  • Juvenile rush skeletonweed plants can resemble a dandelion.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Susceptible to rust pustules on the leaf.
  • Biological control methods are sometimes used to manage infestations.

Further Information

  • Weed Science (wsweedscience.org)
  • California Invasive Species Council (cal-ipc.org)
  • Pacific Northwest Extension Publication (PNW 465), Washington State University