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Skeletonleaf Bursage (bur ragweed, silverleaf, povertyweed) Asteraceae (= Compositae), the aster family
BACKGROUND: Skeletonleaf bursage is native to the Great Plains region. It spreads both by seed and creeping roots, keeping primarily on, but not limited to, dry or poorly drained sites.
DESCRIPTION: Skeletonleaf bursage is a perennial up to 3 feet tall. Leaves are alternate, up to 5 inches long, and very deeply lobed with coarsely toothed margins. The lobes are reduced in size from leaf base to tip. The upper leaf surface is greenish gray and may have rough hairs; the lower surface is white with short, dense hairs. Flower heads are 1/4 inch wide and are produced from June through August. Each head contains inconspicuous yellow flowers that are either male or female (not both). Fruits are 2-seeded, light brown burs with up to 10 short spines. The plant has extensive horizontal roots.
DISTRIBUTION: Skeletonleaf bursage occurs from the desert Southwest to Wisconsin and Illinois and in these indicated Idaho counties.
CONTROL: No biological control agents are available for skeletonleaf bursage, but herbicides are available for control of this weed.