telegraph weed ~ 12/07/13 ~ Fort Ord

telegraph weed

Heterotheca grandiflora
Asteraceae

Wikipedia says this is a roadside weed.  No kidding.  In my tradition of trying to capture plants in various stages through the seasons, I came across this lovely, dried flower-looking thingie (yes, my terminology).  Thanks to an instructive set of photos by Zoya Akulova on CalPhotos, I now know those thingies are "receptacle and phyllaries after fruiting".  So, I'm wondering how to label this stage, because * fruits/seeds is not quite accurate.  Any suggestions?  While reading up, I found an excellent compilation of information at The Weed Society of Queensland, even though their descriptors like "infestation" and "unsightly" are not generally used here in its native CA.

telegraph weed ~ 08/24/11 ~ Fort Ord

telegraph weed
Heterotheca grandiflora
Asteraceae

It's nice finding a plant I've never known before what it was and have only recently ID'd it. It's like being pleased to run into a new acquaintance shortly after the first introduction. There was one section of the trail where the telegraph weed was the predominant blooming plant, if not the only plant still in bloom among the dried grasses of late August. I have to say there was a little part of me that was glad to not see more sticky monkeyflower, which seemed to be on the tail end of its blooms.

telegraph weed ~ 08/04/10 ~ Fort Ord

telegraph weed / goldenaster
Heterotheca grandiflora
Asteraceae

posted 08/14/11 - There are so many yellow asters around. I've always wondered what this one was. The fuzzy leaves seem to be distinctive enough, that is until I find something else with fuzzy leaves. Supposedly this can flower all year round.