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Bristly Starbur

Acanthospermum hispidum DC.

Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)

▲ seedling

▲▼ mature plants

▲ leaves and inflorescence

▲▼ inflorescence and fruit

Acanthospermum hispidum DC., Bristly Starbur: (Bayer Code:  ACNAU; US Code ACAU2)

·         Summer annuals growing 2-4 feet tall, spreading and much branched in upper portions

·         Leaves oval-shaped,, with toothed margins, rough-textured with stiff hairs, some with glands at the base of the hairs

·         Flowers greenish-yellow, in head type arrangements in axils of leaves and at stem tips

·         Fruit is circular with radiating, spiny “spokes” coming out from center; normally 8 “spokes” per fruit

·         Found in fertile, disturbed sites (annual crops); prefers sandy soils

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Posted 15 January 2019