Rush Skeletonweed is a herbaceous, relatively long-lived perennial member of the sunflower family. Its life-cycle beings in fall with seed germination and seedling establishment as well as regrowth from perennial roots. Plants usually overwinter as rosettes which closely reemble common dandelion. The hairless basal leaves are 2 to 5 inches long and 1/2 to 2 inches wide. Rush Skeletonweed grows whenever temperatures are above freezing,but usually initiates rapid spring growth in March or April.
 
  During late spring, a spindly stem elongates form the center of the rosette reaching 1 to 4 feet tall. At this time, the basal leaves have a deep, irregular teeth that generally point backward the stem base. The stem has a few narrow, inconspicuous leaves, giving the plant a skeleton-like appearance. An important characteristic of rush skeletonweed is the stiff downward-pointing hairs on the lower 4 to 6 inches of the stem. The remainder of the stem is relatively smooth or has a few rigid hairs. All plant parts, including the leaf, stem and roots, exude a milky latex when cut or broken.

  Flowering begins in early summer and continues until fall along with seed development. The bright yellow flowers develop along the stem and branch tips.

Stop the Spread

Rush Skeletonweed is a serious threat to Montana lands!!
Lake County Weed District is offering a $50 reward for any new sites.
Please contact us 406-883-7330
DO NOT CUT OR TRANSPORT THIS WEED