Learn about the Zero
Spread campaign against
noxious weeds     more »

 

<< back

Rush Skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea)

Status:

Listed Noxious Weed In Montana

History:

First Montana Specimen Collected 1

    

County:

Sanders

Year:

1991
"Rush skeletonweed is native to Asia Minor and the Mediterranean region, including North Africa. It has successfully invaded Australia, Argentina, Italy, Lebanon, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, the United States and the former Yugoslavia. Rush skeletonweed was first reported in the United States near Spokane, Washington in 1938. It was found in Idaho and Oregon during the 1960s, and currently infests over 6.2 million acres of rangeland in the Pacific Northwest and California. A small infestation was found in Sanders County, Montana, in 1991. A year later, several small infestations were found in Lincoln County. In 1994, several new infestations were found in both counties. It appears that this weed is moving quickly in western Montana." (Sheley & Hudak)    
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Habitat:

 

 

 

Growth Habit:

 

Perennial, erect to 4 ft. tall.

 

Leaves:

 

Basal rosette leaves – sharply toothed, lance-shaped (dandelion line). Upper
leaves-inconspicuous, narrow, smooth margins.

 

Stem:

 

Bottom 1 to 6 inches has numerous, re, downward bent coarse hairs; Stems smooth above, many branched.

 

Flower:

 

Yellow, ¾ inch wide, scattered on branches.&nbsp; 7 to 15 strap-shaped petals are flat across the end of terminating with distinct lobes of teeth.

 

Roots:

 

Extensive and deep.

 

Seeds:

 

Pale brown to black, 1/8 inch long, several ribbed, smooth below with tiny scale projections
above, terminated by a long break with numerous soft white bristles.

 

Other Notes:

 

Newly found potential infestation located in the interstate corridor in Treasure County,
Montana. The initial opinion is that is was a vehicle-transported infestation.