Skeletonleaf Bursage

Skeletonleaf bursage is a small, herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae (aster) family. It produces branched stems that may reach 4 to 24 inches tall. Stems may be silver-green to light brown. Leaves are pinnately or bipinnately lobed and occur alternately on the stem. Leaves are gray to green in color, hairy underneath, and smooth to hairy above. Skeletonleaf bursage flowers from early to late summer. Flowers are small, yellow, and inconspicuous. Skeletonleaf bursage flowers are incomplete (separate male and female flowers), but the plants are monoecious (produce both male and female flowers). Male flowers occur in spike-like inflorescences at the top of the plant, and female flowers occur in small clusters in the axils of upper leaves. Skeletonleaf bursage has an extensive rhizomatous root system. Seeds are produced in small burs with up to 10 spines that may be green to brown in color.

Skeletonleaf bursage is native to North America. It forms dense stands through spreading rhizomes and seeds and is dispersed to new areas by seed. While not invasive or toxic, skeletonleaf bursage can be detrimental to agriculture.

Prevention and cultural control strategies should be utilized as much as possible.

Because skeletonleaf bursage is native to North America, no biological control agents are available.

Hand pulling and digging out of rhizomes is not recommended unless all roots can be removed because rhizome fragments are capable of resprouting. Mowing does not provide control of skeletonleaf bursage.

Larger infestations can be controlled with herbicides. Spring and fall treatments are recommended, but treatment of bolting plants can be effective. Read the label before using any herbicide. Contact TCWP if you have any questions about application rates or how to use an herbicide.

This species is not actively managed through TCWP programs, but additional information on managing this species is available upon request.

• Skeletonleaf Bursage. Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board.
• A Northern Arizona Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Skeletonleaf Bursage. The University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Cooperative Extension - Coconino County and The Arizona Native Plant Society.
• Skeletonleaf Bursage (2018) Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.
• Skeletonleaf Bursage. Fremont County Weed & Pest.