Flatspine Stickseed

Description

Lappula occidentalis is a coarse- leafed plant species first described by S. Wats., And given its current name by Edward Lee Greene. Lappula occidentalis is part of the genus Pigweed, and the family of deciduous plants. In addition to the nominate form, there is also the subspecies L. o. Cupulata. Lappula is a genus of flowering plants in the borage family known generally as stickseeds. They are native to the northern hemisphere. These are annual herbs producing funnel-shaped flowers and prickly fruits. One of the best known species is the European stickseed, Lappula squarrosa, which is a notorious noxious weed.