Pineapple weed

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Pineapple weed

Pineapple weed inflorescences

Pineapple weed leaves

Pineapple weed inflorescences

Pineapple weed

Morphology

Stem

Erect or ascending, much-branched below, glabrous.

Leaves

Alternate, short-stalked, 1/2 to 2 inches long, to 3/4 inch wide, 1-3 times pinnately divided into segments that are usually short-linear.

Inflorescence

Heads, numerous, in corymb-like clusters, terminal head occasionally more prominent; heads cone-shaped, less than 1/2 inch wide; bracts in 2-3 series; margins thin, papery.

Flower

Ray florets absent; disk florets yellow to greenish yellow, corollas 4-lobed.

Fruit

Achenes, ribbed, tipped with short crown or pappus obscure, enclosing small seed.

Ecology

Habitat

Waste areas, lawns, gardens, and roadsides.

Distribution

Principally east 1/2 of Kansas.

Practical Information

Forage Value

Livestock generally will not graze pineapple weed.

Uses

A number of Native American tribes took a tea brewed from the plant and flowers to treat diarrhea and stomach pains and some used the dried blossoms for perfume and as an insect repellent.

Additional Notes