Weed of the Month: Rush Skeletonweed
Rush Skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea) is a member of the Sunflower (Asteraceae) family, but unlike many of the native plants in the sunflower family, skeletonweed is an invasive, noxious weed in Teton Valley. Also commonly called hogbite, gum succory, or devil’s grass, skeletonweed originates in Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa but has spread to many western united states, including Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana.
Fast Facts:
Why is it considered noxious?
Rush skeletonweed’s ability to spread rapidly and form dense infestations causes it to displace many native, beneficial plant species including many forage species that local wildlife need to survive as well as crop species such as wheat.
What does it look like?
In the early stages of life, rush skeletonweed closely resembles dandelion plants and chicory, but after the1-6 flowering stems start to bolt up, it can be differentiated by the brown, coarse, downward pointing hairs at the bases. It has small ½ inch yellow flowers, emits a milky white sap when damaged, and reaches 16-48 inches tall at maturity.
How does it spread?
Rush skeletonweed plants have deep taproots that grow rapidly over winter up to 8+ feet deep, off which grow adventitious buds and rhizomatous roots that also form root buds that can form many cloned plants the next year, even more so if roots are damaged. Roots only need a small
fragment to remain in the soil in order to grow a new plant. They also reproduce asexually by seed
How can it be removed?
If you suspect you have an infestation of Rush skeletonweed on your property or see an infestation on public lands, please contact the county noxious weed coordinator. They can help with a removal strategy depending on the size and maturity of the plants. Some of the suggested strategies could include hand pulling for small infestations while the soil is damp in order to remove the entire taproot. This will most likely need to be repeated multiple times throughout the year and for many years following in order to remove all off shoots. There are also a few biological and herbicide control options that can be discussed as well.
