Identification
This weedy native annual, a plume-shaped plant, grows to 6 feet and taller. The narrow, alternate leaves become progressively shorter further up the stout stem (A,E). The stem is unbranched except at the top where a large, extensively branched, plume-shaped flower cluster develops (D). Each of the hundreds of tiny tubular flowers (B) measures only about 1/8 inch across. Flowers never open up very widely and only a close look will reveal each flower to be a tiny “daisy” with up to 40 white outside ray florets and a lesser number of yellow disk florets in the center. The numerous seeds from each flower head have fluffy white hairs which help them to be dispersed by the wind (C).
Commonly found on all sorts of waste ground, flowering from July through September. Common in disturbed sites at both Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods.
Mare’s Tail is an alternate common name.
Introduced to Europe from North America. Native Americans and early European settlers used the leaves to treat dysentery.
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