Lygodesmia juncea

(Rush Skeletonweed)

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Lygodesmia juncea, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7882

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Lygodesmia juncea, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7886

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Lygodesmia juncea, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7883

Scientific Name Lygodesmia juncea USDA PLANTS Symbol LYJU
Common Name Rush Skeletonweed, Rush Skeletonplant ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 503623
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Plains to montane (3500 to 9000 ft.); sandy to silty soils on the high plains; prairies, open and disturbed areas.
Plant: Perennial with bluish-grey stems that are erect to ascending or lying near the ground, much-branched with longitudinal striations.
Leaves: Lower stem leaves are narrow, linear, 1/4 to 1-1/4 inches long hairless and with entire margins and acute tips; may be gone by flowering; upper leaves reduced to short scales.
Inflorescence: Single or multiple, light purple to pink (rarely white) blossoms 1/2 to 3/4-inch across with (usually) 5 rays and toothed at tips; each ray with one protruding stigma; cylindrical involucres 3/8 to 5/8-inch long, with 5 to 7 light green, hairless phyllaries.
Bloom Period: June to September.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, American Southwest, Minnesota Wildflowers and Flora of North America.
BONAP Distribution Map


Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains