cutleaf vipergrass
(Scorzonera laciniata L.)

Overview

Appearance

Scorzonera laciniata, false salsify, is a biennial herbaceous plant, that can grow up to 2 ft (60 cm) tall. The multiple stems are hollow, erect and glabrous to sparsely hairy. It is native to Africa, Asia and Europe.

Foliage

The deeply cut oblanceolate basal leaves are up to 8 in (20 cm) long. The stem leaves are smaller, mostly entire and are up to about 0.4 in (1 cm) wide in the middle.

Flowers

The yellow dandelion-like flowers are only open a few hours during the day. The phyllaries are finely hairy and strongly keeled. It has only ray flowers that bloom through the summer.

Fruit

The fruits have about 10 ribs with a pappus ranging from 0.4-0.8 in (10–20 mm) long.

Ecological Threat

S. laciniata was planted for erosion control and can be found in disturbed areas such as old fields and along roadsides. It prefers full sun.

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• Utah Noxious Weeds - Early Detection

References