An annual naturalized weed from Europe. This plant spreads by thousands of airborne seeds (achenes) that float like minute parachutes with the slightest gust of wind. A number of native California wildflowers with showy ray flowers belong to this same genus. Close-up view showing several rayless heads with black-tipped phyllaries. One head has gone to seed with numerous pappus-bearing achenes. This is a very common naturalized weed in San Diego County.  Return To Table Of Plant Unknowns  All text material & images on these pages copyright © W.P. Armstrong