Horseweed, Mare's tail, Canada Horseweed

[Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq.]

Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)

▲ ▼ young plants

▲ ▼ mature plants

▲ flowering plants

▲ flowers

▲ vacant lot with many mature plants

Horseweed/Marestail: (pp. 120-121, Weeds of the Great Plains; pp. 136-137, Weeds of the Northeast)

 

·        native annual in the Aster family

·        produces tall stalk (2-6' tall) covered with narrow leaves

·        top of stalk is large panicle of small white flowers that ripen to white, windblown parachute seeds

·        may be allelopathic—where it is established, little else grows

·        invasive; reproduces rapidly by seed

·        grows in cultivated fields, pastures, urban areas