Wyethia amplexicaulis

Species category

Weed

Common name

mule-ears, mulesear wyethia

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

AcheneAchene:
A dry, hard, one-chambered, one-seeded indehiscent fruit, as in buckwheat (Fagopyrum) or sunflower (Helianthus). The fruit wall is not united with the seed coat.

Shape

Oblanceolate

Size

  • Length 10–12 mm
  • Width 2–4 mm
  • Thickness 1.5–2 mm

Color

Gray with black mottling

Texture

Striate

Other structures

The pappusPappus:
Modified calyx in Asteraceae, composed of hairs, bristles, awns, or scales. The pappus-like structure attached to milkweed seeds is termed a coma. 
is of short scales with an occasional pair of opposing bracts.

Identification notes

BasalBasal:
The base of the fruit or seed opposite the apical end.
end is rounded. Surface striations can include longitudinal ridges.

Noxious weed seed categories

Not listed

AOSA examination list

Not included

Nomenclature

Family

Asteraceae

Valid name

Wyethia amplexicaulis (Nutt.) Nutt.

Synonyms

Espeletia amplexicaulis Nutt.

 Wyethia amplexicaulis.  Achenes with short scales as the pappus, with an occasional pair of opposing bracts.
Wyethia amplexicaulis. Achenes with short scales as the pappus, with an occasional pair of opposing bracts.