Asteraceae, the daisy, sunflower, or composite family.
Description:
Plant:
Usually low, branching plant, 6"-18" high, but sometimes taller; smooth,
or with cobwebby hairiness, with lobed leaves and closed heads of yellowish flowers. Annual.
Flowers:
Closed, vase-shaped heads, that show a yellow eye of bunched flowers at the tip.
Involucral bracts are distinctively black-tipped.
In loose clusters (cymes) at the ends of branches.
Leaves:
Alternate, [[obovate]] in general outline, 1"-4", toothed to deeply cut into toothed lobes,
and stalkless (sessile).
Fruit:
An open globular head of achenes with parachutes of silky hairs.
Blooming:
April-October.
Habitat:
Open, disturbed ground, weedy areas.
Comments:
Introduced from Eurasia, this species is a troublesome weed in some areas, often sprouting
in recently tilled soil.
The plant contains a toxic alkaloid that can cause liver damage if consumed in
sufficient quantity.
Where to find it:
I have found this plant mostly growing as a weed in the gardens around the lodge.