Common Crupina

Crupina vulgaris

WA A Asteraceae
Data Maturity Baseline

Washington State Classification

Class A — Eradication Required Statewide

Adapted to a wide range of soil and climate conditions, common crupina can form solid stands which decreases forage for livestock.

Quick Reference

Type
annual herb
Origin
Europe, Asia and Northern Africa

Identification

Growth Habit

It is a winter annual that grows up to 3 feet tall. Seeds germinate in the fall and winter when conditions are favorable. Warmer spring temperatures cause the plants to grow flowering stems that bloom in May and June and go to seed in June and July.

Leaves

Cotyledons (first two leaves) rounded, green and shiny, often with purple mid-vein, 0.4 to 1.2 inches (1 to 3 cm) long and often dying back early. Stem leaves alternate and lobed or doubly lobed, appearing lace-like with minute, stiff bristles on margins. Stem leaves up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) long.

Flowers

Flower heads clustered 1 to 5 on each stem, each one is thin and vase-shaped with a few rows of tapering bracts at its base. Flower head have 3 to 5 flowers and each head generally produces one seed. Flowers are lavender to purple.

Fruit & Seeds

Seeds are barrel-shaped and 0.12 to 0.16 inches (3 to 4 mm) long. Brown-black bristles (pappus) occur on one end spreading widely.

Impact

Adapted to a wide range of soil and climate conditions, common crupina can form solid stands which decreases forage for livestock. Common crupina is also federally listed as a noxious weed.

Ecology & Spread

Habitat

Common crupina grows in a wide variety of habitats including fields, grasslands, roadsides, open woodlands and forests up to 3280 feet (1000 m) elevation. Please click here to see a distribution map of common crupina in Washington.

Spread Mechanisms

seed

Reproduction

Common crupina reproduces by seed.

Regional Notes — Puget Sound

"

Control Methods

Mechanical

  • Hand pulling or hoeing can effectively control common crupina, but regular site visits are required since it produces a large amount of viable seeds.

Biological Control

  • Several natural enemies have been identified on common crupina in southern France and are under investigation as possible biological control agents. No biocontrols are currently approved for use in the United States.