cutleaf vipergrass
(Scorzonera laciniata)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Appearance
Scorzonera laciniata, false salsify, is a biennial herbaceous plant, that can grow up to 2 ft (60 cm) tall. The multiple stems are hollow, erect and glabrous to sparsely hairy. It is native to Africa, Asia and Europe.
Foliage
The deeply cut oblanceolate basal leaves are up to 8 in (20 cm) long. The stem leaves are smaller, mostly entire and are up to about 0.4 in (1 cm) wide in the middle.
Flowers
The yellow dandelion-like flowers are only open a few hours during the day. The phyllaries are finely hairy and strongly keeled. It has only ray flowers that bloom through the summer.
Fruit
The fruits have about 10 ribs with a pappus ranging from 0.4-0.8 in (10–20 mm) long.
Ecological Threat
S. laciniata was planted for erosion control and can be found in disturbed areas such as old fields and along roadsides. It prefers full sun.
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder: Asteranae |
| Order: Asterales |
| Family: Asteraceae |
| Subfamily: Cichorioideae |
| Tribe: Cichorieae |
| Genus: Scorzonera |
| Scorzonera laciniata |
References
Common Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
Scientific Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.