Cutleaf Vipergrass

Information

Scorzonera laciniata - Asteraceae Family - Biennial

cutleaf_vipergrass_1 cutleaf_vipergrass_2 cutleaf_vipergrass_3 cutleaf_vipergrass_4

Identification

Flowers: Yellow dandelion-like flowers that unfold when the sun hits them and close within a few hours. Flower heads are about an inch in diameter.
Seeds: Seed heads are 1-2 inches in diameter, made up of many parachute-like seed pods.
Leaves: Basal leaves are up to 8 inches long and deeply cut. Stem leaves are smaller and taper at both ends.
Flowering Time: Throughout the summer.
Life cycle: Cutleaf vipergrass is biennial, growing up to 2 ft. tall.

Impacts

Cutleaf vipergrass was originally planted for erosion control but spreads rapidly in disturbed areas such as old fields and along roadsides.
Not much information exists on Cutleaf vipergrass and its impacts, but its rapid spread is worrisome when considering the impact of noxious weeds with similar aggressive growth and distribution on native ecosystems and wildlife forage.

Most effective control methods

Although it is reportedly sometimes grown as a crop, do NOT grow Cutleaf vipergrass.
Due to a lack of information on the control of this plant, there are currently no recommendations backed by research regarding best management practices for Cutleaf vipergrass.

Cutleaf vipergrass: flower

Cutleaf vipergrass: Closed flowers. Flowers unfold for a few hours when sunlight hits them.

Cutleaf vipergrass: seeds

Cutleaf vipergrass: flower

Cutleaf vipergrass: infestation

Cutleaf vipergrass: plant

Cutleaf vipergrass: plant

Cutleaf vipergrass: foliage and stems