Common names: purple cudweed

Scientific names: Gnaphalium purpureum

Seasons of significant use: fall, winter (for Antennaria parlinii-Gnaphalium spp. complex)

Characteristics: Native, perennial, cool season forb to 1.25 feet. Forms basal rosette that persists throughout the year, may form mats. Leaves alternate, simple, spatulate, lower surface densely hairy (almost feltlike in texture and appearance), upper surface more sparsely hairy; inflorescences nearly sessile in axils of upper portion of stem; flowers perfect. Flowers April-July.

Plant community type: Open uplands. Often where competing vegetation is scant or low growing such as where mowed, grazed closely, etc.

Comments: Overwinters as a basal rosette of leaves.

More Plant Photos and Descriptions:
Appendix C: Plants by Common Name
Appendix C: Plants by Scientific Name
Appendix C: Plants Listed by Family