Rush Skeletonweed

Common Name: Rush Skeletonweed Scientific Name: Chondrilla juncea Habitat: roadsides, disturbed areas, grassland, grassland dry Provincial Designation: Prohibited Noxious Prohibited Noxious weeds are plant species that are designated as "prohibited noxious" in the Alberta weed regulation. Prohibited noxious weeds must be destroyed, meaning all growing parts need to be killed or the plant's reproductive mechanisms need to be rendered non-viable.

Origin

Rush skeleton weed is native to Eurasia and was introduced to Eastern North America around 1872 as a seed contaminate or in animal bedding.

Legislated Because

Rush skeleton weed invades crop fields and rangeland. Infestations can significantly reduce crop yields and reduce forage quality for wildlife and livestock. The plant exudes a sap when injured that can clog up crop harvest machinery.

Description

The yellow flowers are 5-20 cm wide and have 8-15 enlarged petals. The basal leaves are deeply lobed and are somewhat dandelion-like.

The stem leaves are linear. All leaves are alternately arranged on the stem, blue-green in colour, and have no hairs.

The fruits have a white plume and tiny teeth at the top.

The stem has stiff hairs at the bottom and grows up to 100 cm tall.

Learn more about this species:

See Fact Sheets - Alberta Invasive Species Council