Western ironweed

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Western ironweed inflorescences

Western ironweed florets

Western ironweed habit

Western ironweed

Western ironweed inflorescences

Western ironweed in winter

Western ironweed

Western ironweed leaves

Western ironweed habit

Western ironweed

Western ironweed

Western ironweed

Western ironweed habit

Western ironweed fillaries

Western ironweed stem and leaves

Western ironweed

Morphology

Stem

Erect, usually unbranched, sparsely to densely pubescent.

Leaves

Alternate, numerous, simple, very short-stalked, lanceolate to narrowly ovate, 1.5 to 7 inches long, 1 to 2 inches wide, finely hairy above, woolly below; margins toothed; tips tapering to points.

Inflorescence

Irregular, loose clusters of numerous heads; immature and mature heads often together in same inflorescence; heads about 1/2 inch wide; bracts overlapping, purplish to greenish brown, tips pointed, spreading or curving back and downward.

Flower

Ray florets absent; disk florets 17-34, reddish purple.

Fruit

Achenes, tiny, ribbed, tipped with brownish purple bristles, enclosing small seed.

Ecology

Habitat

Dry or heavily grazed pastures, open upland sites, disturbed areas, and roadsides.

Distribution

Throughout Kansas.

Practical Information

Forage Value

This plant is very bitter and is not consumed by cattle, though sheep will eat it.

Additional Notes