Low Cudweed

Low Cudweed, Marsh Cudweed

Gnaphalium uliginosum L.

Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)

▲ plant initiating flowering

▲ ▼ mature flowering plant

Gnaphalium uliginosum L., Low Cudweed, Marsh Cudweed: (Bayer Code: GNAUL; US Code GNUL)

• European-native, summer or winter annual with white-wooly stems and leaves; grows 2-12 inches tall, with branched stems, particularly as flowering commences
• Leaves are linear-lanceolate or oblanceolate, greenish-white to gray-green, covered with white hairs; upper stem leaves are smaller than basal leaves
• Head inflorescences are about 1/8 inch diameter, egg-shaped and greenish-brown, in axils of upper stem leaves; disk flowers are tiny and non-descript, and ray flowers are absent; flowers from mid-summer to early fall
• Bracts around head are oval, in several rows, and greenish-brown in color, with some long hairs present
• Prefers moist soils; found in low-maintenance turf, riparian areas, landscapes, cultivated areas ; can tolerate moderate shade
• Can distinguish from Purple Cudweed (Gamochaeta purpurea) which has mostly unbranched stems, flowers in early to mid-spring, and it has larger, wider leaves

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