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Weed of the Week May 22nd 2006 Hoary Cress, Cardaria draba (L.) Desv
Characteristics Family: Mustard Origin: Europe, thought to have been brought to the U.S. as a contaminant in alfalfa seed. Perennial: Reproduces by seed and by root stock, invasive, forming large patches with low biodiversity. Description: Leaves - Grayish green, clasping the stem alternately. - 2 inches long, shaped oval or oblong with smooth and toothed margins. Ends are blunt. - Fine hairs frequently cover leaves. Flowers - April to June - White flowers have heart shaped seeds, containing two tiny oval brown seeds. - Flowers are numerous formed in clusters at the top of the plant. Height - 8-18 inches Locations - Ditches, pastures, cultivated fields, and roadsides between elevations of 3,500 to 8,500 feet.
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