Origin:
A native of Europe that was introduced as an ornamental plant, this has escaped cultivation and now is found in meadows, roadsides, and empty lots, as well as turf and landscape.
Biology:
A perennial which spreads by rhizomes as well as propagation from seeds. In cooler climates the foliage dies back to the crown, with new growth beginning as a rosette of leaves. Flowering occurs throughout the summer months.
Identification:
Mature plants have long thin, somewhat spindly stems, each stem terminating with a single flower head, or sometimes slight branching and more than a single flower head. Stems are smooth and hairless. The leaves are alternate along the stems and lower leaves are potentially as long as 7 inches, with the lower leaves much longer than upper leaves. The leaf shape varies quite a bit, from wide to narrow, from margins that are smooth to those with toothed or lobed margins. Flower heads are typically daisy-like and about 2 inches in diameter, with yellow disc flowers and long, white ray flowers in a very open habit.
Characteristicts Important to Control:
A perennial spreading by rhizomes, making physical removal less effective. Cultivation of the soil tends to discourage the plants.
