Thickhead
Crassocephalum crepidioides, Fam. Asteraceae
Erect, annual herb to 1m with a ribbed stem.
Weed Category: |
Other invasive plants Invasive plants that are not prohibited or restricted invasive plants, but are known to spread readily and cause negative impacts, within the region.
|
Weed: | Yes |
Form or habit: | Herb |
Family: | Asteraceae |
Leaf: | Simple Alternate Simple, alternate with coarsely toothed margins, elliptic to ovate in outline, up to 200 x 100mm with stalks to 40mm long; upper leaves smaller, usually elliptical; lower leaves larger with a pair of lobes close to base. |
Flower conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
Flower colour: |
Pink, Orange |
Flower description: | Orange to orange-pink, fluffy heads borne on slender stems in drooping groups, becoming erect as ‘seeds’ develop. |
Fruit conspicuous: | Inconspicuous |
Fruit colour: |
Brown |
Fruit: | |
Fruit description: | Numerous small brown ribbed ‘seeds’, each with many fine hairs attached to the top. |
Habitat: | |
Distribution | |
Food source for: | |
Toxicity: | No toxicity known |
Origin: | Africa and Madagascar |
Notes: | Spread by: seeds by wind and water; contact with the ground results in pieces of stem taking root. Invades/threats: roadsides and disturbed areas. Environmental weed. |
Information sources: | Mackay Regional Pest Management Group (2018) Weeds of the Mackay Whitsunday Region Second Edition. |