Weed
whitestem distaff thistle
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.
Obpyramidal
Brown with dark brown blotches
Rough with brown blotches
Papery pappusPappus:
Modified calyx in Asteraceae, composed of hairs, bristles, awns, or scales. The pappus-like structure attached to milkweed seeds is termed a coma. 
arising perpendicular to the 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. axis.
This species is very similar to other Carthamus species.
State Noxious Weed: California
Not included
Asteraceae
Carthamus leucocaulos Sm.
