Prairie dandelion
Also known as: wavy-leaf false dandelion
Nothocalais cuspidata (Pursh) Greene
[=Microseris cuspidata (Pursh) Schultz-Bip. ]
Images
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Morphology
- Stem
- Stemless.
- Leaves
- Basal, simple, linear to narrowly lanceolate, 4 to 12 inches long, to 4/5 inch wide, thick; midrib conspicuously whitish; margins entire, fringed with minute hairs, often curling or folded together; tips tapered to sharp points.
- Inflorescence
- Heads, solitary, terminal, on leafless flowering stalks that are glabrous or woolly-hairy ; heads 1 to 2 inches wide; bracts linear-lanceolate, to 1 inch long, sometimes speckled; tapering to sharp points.
- Flower
- Florets ray-like, numerous, yellow, tips 5-toothed.
- Fruit
- Achenes, cylindric, about 1/4 inch long, prominently grooved, tipped with 40-50 unequal, hair-like bristles, enclosing small seed.
Ecology
- Habitat
- Dry, open prairies and hillsides, most abundant on rocky or gravelly soils.
- Distribution
- Throughout Kansas.
Additional Notes
Synonyms
Alternative scientific names that have been used for this plant.
Scientific Name: Microseris cuspidata
Full Citation: Microseris cuspidata Schultz-Bip.
Quick Facts
- Plant Type
- Wildflower
- Family
- Asteraceae - Sunflower Family
- Life Span
- Perennial
- Height
- 4-12 inches
- Last Updated
- 2007-10-05
Color Groups
Flowering Period
Blooms: April, May