Scientific Family
Boraginaceae
Synonyms
Lappula redowskii, Lappula texana, Echinospermum redowskii var. occidentalis
Other common names
white stickseed
western stickseed
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual
Similar species
Lappula occidentalis var. cupulata
Height
6 to 24 inches
Riparian
No
Stems simple or slightly branched above the middle of the stems; erect to loosely spreading, grayish to whitish; taproot.
Annual, erect hairy stems branch above the middle. Flowers white to pale blue, inconspicuous and tiny on elongated stems, each subtended by a leaf-like bract; stigmas capitate (head-like). Flower stems erect in fruit; fruit margins barbed.
Habitat
Sunny, usually disturbed areas, roadsides, overgrazed areas.
Plant Community
Disturbed Areas
Low elevation
0
High elevation
8500
Flower Characteristics
Flower heads of several elongated leafy stems with short branches bearing flowers; flowers are 1/8 to 1/4 inch long, each subtended by a leaf-like bract.
Flower color
Blue, white, yellowish-white
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
March
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Greenish-white in appearance because of hairy leaves and stems.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
4 nutlets, approximately 1/8 inch long with single row of barbed prickles on margin.
Fruit type
Nutlet
Fruit color
Brown