15
SEASONAL IDENTIFICATION
CRESSLEAF GROUNDSEL (Packera glabella)
FALL
-
SPRING
LATE
SPRING
EARLY
SUMMER
SPRING
EARLY
SUMMER
SUMMER
-
FALL
Young cressleaf groundsel is found as a low-growing
seedling or rosette from fall to spring. Leaves and stems
typically have a purple tint or are completely purple.
Cressleaf groundsel is highly visible across this farm field.
The plant grows in open areas with wet soils, often in areas
prone to seasonal flooding.
After the plant flowers, the petals give way to cottony
tufts composed of many small seeds. Seeds are the
primary means of reproduction and can be dispersed long
distances by wind.
Stems are smooth, hollow, and have vertical ridges like
celery. Branches and flower buds develop in spring. Leaves
are deeply divided with a broad tip.
The flowers are entirely yellow with yellow petals and
yellow centers. They are produced in groups at the end
of branches. Seeds develop at different times, often while
flowers are still present.
After going to seed or after a hard frost, cressleaf
groundsel withers and collapses. It stays green during this
process and rapidly decomposes, leaving seeds behind to
germinate in fall.
