Cressleaf Groundsel

The annual deep purple bloom of Purple Deadnettle and Henbit in Ohio farm fields and a purple haze rising over lawns may conjure a nostalgic pop culture smash-up. These non-native showy weeds belong to the mint family, Lamiaceae, as evidenced by their square stems which is a family trait.

The dichotomous nature of Cressleaf Groundsel (a.k.a. Butterweed) tests the tolerance of lovers of native wildflowers. On one hand, a sea of golden-yellow flowers carpeting farm fields in Ohio provides welcome relief from highway monotony. On the other hand, upright 2 – 3' tall plants dominating Ohio landscapes presents a weed management challenge.

The dichotomous nature of Butterweed may test the tolerance of lovers of native wildflowers. On one hand, a sea of yellow flowers carpeting farm fields flanking Ohio's interstates in the spring provides welcome relief from highway monotony. On the other hand, upright 2 – 3' tall plants bolting seemingly out of nowhere in Ohio landscapes presents a weed management challenge.

I've watched Cressleaf Groundsel (Packera glabella; syn. Senecio glabellus) for years popping-up in landscapes and farm fields. However, I never truly appreciated the canary yellow display provided by this winter annual. Indeed, I've placed all of my past BYGL reports on this native plant under the header, "Weed of the Week."