Stem

Multiple, up to 4 ft. tall and highly branched; contains white, milky sap
Lacks hair (glabrous) except lower 4-6 in. which is covered with coarse, downward-pointing, reddish-brown hairs

Leaves

Rosette leaves resemble dandelion; 2-5 in. long, 0.5-2 in. wide and lack hair; edges (margins) are irregular with shallow lobes and are often purplish; rosette leaves usually wither at bolting
Stems have very few leaves; typically narrow with smooth edges; inconspicuous

Flower

Yellow; 0.75 in. wide; 7-15 linear petals with toothed tips; can be alone or in small clusters scattered along branches
Seed tipped with a white, parachute-like pappus that allows it to be spread by wind

Root

Deep taproot and shot creeping lateral roots

Other

Grows best in well-drained soils; often infests roadsides, rangelands and waste areas; not known to occur in Nevada
Perennial; reproduced by seed and roots

Control

Repeated hand-removal of individual plants (including roots) and frequent tillage are effective
Several biological control agents are available
Apply 2,4-D, clopyralid, dicamba, glyphosate, or picloram to actively growing plants; apply aminopyralid or imazapyr pre- or post emergence

Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Rush skeletonweed, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide

Extension Associated Contacts

Heidi Kratsch

Also of Interest:


Needs Assessment for Noxious Weeds in Churchill County: Part 4 of 5 - Criteria for Herbicide Use and Selection This fact sheet is the fourth in a series of five that reports the results of a needs assessment survey completed by faculty in University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (UNCE). The survey attempted to identify the major issues related to the management and control of weeds in N... Davison, J., Powell, P., Schultz, B., and Singletary, L. 2012, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Paradise Valley Weed Control Demonstration Plots: Hoary Cress Noxious weeds are species considered detrimental or destructive, and difficult to control or eradicate. In Nevada, noxious weeds are prohibited in commerce, and state law mandates their control or management. Schultz, B. 2005, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Nevada’s Priority Agricultural Weeds: Hoary Cress Plants commonly referred to as hoary cress (Cardaria sp.), or short whitetop, are one of three different but closely related perennial forbs. The Cardaria species are widespread across all eleven Western states, including every county in Nevada. B. Schultz, S. Foster 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-21-03
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – African mustard African mustard is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., H. Kratsch, Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Common crupina Common crupina is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide

Associated Programs

Weed Warriors Invasive Weed Training

The Nevada Noxious Weed Education Program, Weed Warriors program tackles the growing problem of spreading noxious and nuisance weeds on public and private land.

Grow Your Own, Nevada!

Learn the secrets of high desert gardening

Master Gardeners of Washoe County

Master Gardeners provide free, research-based horticulture information to Nevadans.

Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Rush skeletonweed