rush skeleton weed (Chondrilla juncea)
Photos
(Photo courtesy of Weeds of the West)
Scientific/Common Name: Chondrilla juncea, rush skeletonweed (2)
Description: This weed is a perennial with branched stems, can grow up to four feet tall, and looks as if it is leafless. Leaves are basal and look like a dandelion where the flower stem grows. The stems leaves are thin and grow up to 4 inches long. The inside of the stems and leaves make a milky like substance. The lower four to six inches of the stems are covered with brown hairs. The seeds have a rough texture, and have a white hair like structure. (5, 2)
Roots: The roots of this weed can reach up to 8 feet long. If the roots are severed they can reach the surface of the soil from about 4 feet under. (2)
Stems: This weed has green stems and narrow leaves. These leaves give the weed a skeleton like look or appearance. The bottom 4 to 6 inches has rough little hairs that point downward and have a reddish tint to them. This characteristic makes it easier to distinguish from other similar weeds. (5, 3, 2)
Leaves: This plant has a rosette of basal leaves that look similar to the rosette of a dandelion, and are sharp with deep toothed edges. (5, 2)
Flowers: The yellow flower heads, which are 3/4 of an inch in diameter, are spread all over the stem of the weed. The flower heads are either single or in clumps of 2 to 5. (2, 1)
Fruits/Seeds: Every one of these plants has the potential to make 20,000 seeds. The seed color varies from light brown to black. (2)
Methods of Reproduction/Spread: The way rush skeleton weed reproduces is by seed and vegetative growth. The plant flowers its first year. (2)
Life Duration: This weed is a short-lived perennial. (2)
Habitat: This particular weed is found mostly in waste areas, roadways, or any drought or disturbance weakened areas. The weed is also found in sagebrush-infested areas. (3, 2)
Links:
http://www.nwcb.wa.gov/weed_info/Written_findings/Chondrilla_juncea.html
http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/weedguid/rushskel.htm
http://www.blm.gov/education/weeds/really_wanted/skelltonweed.html
http://www.sugarbeets.com/weeds/noxious/rush_skeletonweed.asp
http://www.lpcweeds.org/rushskeletonweed.html
http://www.ceris.purdue.edu/napis/pests/rsk/
http://www.integratedweedcontrol.com/rushskel.htm
http://www.co.gem.id.us/weed/noxious/rush_skeletonweed.htm
http://www.cwma.org/nx_plants/rushsw.htm
http://www.co.yellowstone.mt.us/publicworks/weed/rskeleton.htm
Sources:
1. Fred Bentler. "King County." Rush Skeletonweed. August 19, 2003. . 3/11/04, <http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/LANDS/Weeds/RushSkel.htm>.
2. "Rush Skeletonweed." . . MC Weed District. 3/11/04, <http://www.mslacountyweed.org/pages/CHJU.html>.
3. "Center For Invasive Plant Management." Weed of the Week. Copyright 2001. . 3/11/04, <http://www.weedcenter.org/info/wowarchives/jan02wow.html>.
4. "RUSH SKELETON WEED." BLM Prineville Dist.. February 19, 2000. Department of Agriculture. 3/11/04, <http://www.or.blm.gov/Prineville/weed/rushskel.htm>.
5. "Rush Skeletonweed." Minidoka County. February, 2000. 2004 Minidoka County, Idaho. 3/10/04, <http://www.minidoka.id.us/weed/noxious/rush_skeletonweed.htm>.
By: Layne and Zac 4/5/04. Updated By: Ben Foster 3/1/07.
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