Ageratum houstonianum

Species category

Flower, Weed

Common name

bluemink

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

Conical

Size

  • Length: 1.5–2 mm
  • Width: 0.2–0.5 mm
  • Thickness: 0.1 mm

Color

Black or gray

Texture

Ribs longitudinal. Fine reticulations.

Other structures

PappusPappus:
Modified calyx in Asteraceae, composed of hairs, bristles, awns, or scales. The pappus-like structure attached to milkweed seeds is termed a coma. 
with five to six scales.

Identification notes

Base white and enlarged.

Noxious weed seed categories

Not listed

AOSA examination list

Not included

More information

For more information, see ISMA fact sheet.

Nomenclature

Family

Asteraceae

Valid name

Ageratum houstonianum  Mill.

 Ageratum houstonianum.  Conical achenes.
Ageratum houstonianum. Conical achenes.
 Ageratum houstonianum.  Pappus with five to six scales.
Ageratum houstonianum. Pappus with five to six scales.
 Ageratum houstonianum.  Opposite sides of the same fruit. Two of the five pappus scales have been removed. Photo courtesy of USDA-APHIS-PPQ.
Ageratum houstonianum. Opposite sides of the same fruit. Two of the five pappus scales have been removed. Photo courtesy of USDA-APHIS-PPQ.