Coefficient of Conservatism:
*
Coefficient of Wetness:
3
Wetness Index:
FACU
Physiognomy:
Ad P-Forb
B. S. Walters
The oldest Michigan collections seen are dated 1844 (presumably Macomb or Oakland Co.) and 1861 (“rare” in Washtenaw Co.). Apparently not spread much in the state until the second decade of the 20th century, and still very local in northern Michigan, while it is now common southward along roadsides and railroads, in fields and open disturbed ground, along trails and floodplain meadows.
The flowers are generally pale lilac, and the involuctral bracts are strictly linear. In D. laciniatus, the flowers are white, and the involucral bracts are wider and taper from the base to the apex. Branches of D. fullonum are slightly spreading, while those of D. laciniatus are essentially erect, allowing even old stalks in winter to be identified at a distance.