Weed of the Week

5-5-08

Spikeweed, Hemizonia pungens

                          

Photo credits: Copy write 1995 Saint Mary's College of California

 Characteristics:

Family: Sunflower family

Origin: Native of California

Description:

• Annual

• Grows 1.5-3 feet tall

Stems:

• Whitish green

• Short flowering branches

Flowers:

• Head of flower born at the end of the branch

• 1/3" wide

• Yellow

Leaves:

• Leaves along stem

• 1/2 " long

• Short and pointed (spike like)

Fruit:

• Short spine with a wart-like projection

Additional information:

A native to California it is abundant in the Southern half of the state.  Spikeweed grows in dense clusters on alkaline soils along roadsides and waste areas.  It is a tough and spiny plant that is avoided by livestock.  Flowering occurs in July through September.

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