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SEASONAL IDENTIFICATION
MARESTAIL (Conyza canadensis)
SPRING
-
EARLY
SUMMER
SUMMER
MIDSUMMER
-
LATE
SUMMER
EARLY
SUMMER
SUMMER
FALL
-
WINTER
Rosettes or seedlings are covered in hairs and identified by
narrow, pointed leaves with shallow lobes. By early summer,
rosettes or seedlings begin to produce upright stems.
Before marestail develops flowers, it grows as a single stem
with many leaves. Note the bright green color. As it prepares
to flower, branches develop the terminal flower heads.
White cottony seed heads develop in round puffballs similar
to dandelion seeds and are produced continuously after
flowering. Seeds can germinate immediately and possibly
complete the life cycle before winter.
Leaves are narrow and pointed. The leaves are directly
attached to the stem in a whorled arrangement. Leaves and
stems are covered in white hairs.
Mature flowers are small with a rounded green base, tiny
white petals, and a yellow center. The terminal flowers are
found at the top of the plant in a pyramidal arrangement.
The stem and branches can persist standing upright
throughout the winter. Seeds may still be present.
