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Wax goldenweed

Grindelia ciliata (Nutt.) Spreng.

[=Haplopappus ciliatus (Nutt.) DC. ]

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Wax goldenweed head
Wax goldenweed
Wax goldenweed
Wax goldenweed pappus
Wax goldenweed
Wax goldenweed
Wax goldenweed pappus
Wax goldenweed
Wax goldenweed leaves
Wax goldenweed achenes
Wax goldenweed

Morphology

Stem
Erect, stout, solitary, simple below, short-branched at top, very leafy, glabrous.
Leaves
Alternate, simple, sessile, clasping, firm, egg-shaped, 1 to 3 inches long, .5 to 1.5 inch wide, conspicuously veined; margins with sharp, bristle-tipped teeth; tips rounded or blunt; leaves generally on upper 2/3 of stem.
Inflorescence
Heads, few in open cymes or sometimes solitary, terminal, hemispheric, .75 to 1.5 inch wide; bracts overlapping in 4-5 series; tips narrow-pointed, turning outward.
Flower
Ray florets approximately 25-45, about 1/2 inch long, yellow; disk florets yellow.
Fruit
Achenes, oval to oblong, somewhat flattened, glabrous, tipped with numerous, rigid, yellowish to reddish brown bristles, enclosing small seed.

Ecology

Habitat
Dry, open, sandy or rocky hillsides and waste places.
Distribution
Nearly throughout Kansas.

Additional Notes

Comments

Named for German botanist David Hieronymus Grindel, who lived from 1777-1836. Wax goldenweed is avoided by grazing livestock.

Synonyms

Alternative scientific names that have been used for this plant.

Scientific Name: Haplopappus ciliatus

Full Citation: Haplopappus ciliatus DC.

Quick Facts
Plant Type
Wildflower
Family
Asteraceae - Sunflower Family
Life Span
Annual
Height
2-5 feet
Last Updated
2023-09-28
Color Groups
Yellow Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Blooms: August, September