IDENTIFICATION
Provincial Noxious. Annual.
Mature crupina can grow to almost a metre in height, with finely
dissected leaves that develop short stiff spines on the edges, giving
a coarse rough texture when touched. Pink to purple flowers, 1.3 cm long,
grow one or two to a branch, developing into seeds with stiff dark bristles
on the wide end. Lower leaves can be 7.5 cm long.
DAMAGE
Common crupina invades hay fields and grass seed fields and its
seed can contaminate hay and other forage crops, reducing their value.
It infests disturbed grasslands
and open forest sites where it can form dense stands and compete with
native plant species.
HABITAT
It has adapted to a wide range of conditions, although it is usually found
on well-drained sandy or loamy soil. It does not currently occur in BC,
but is found in neighbouring areas of Washington and Idaho.
SPREAD
Seed can disperse short distances by wind and water, on the fur of rodents
and other wildlife, as well as on hooves of cattle.
