Lapsana Communis

Day 294: Following up on a post made on June 6, I finally remembered to photograph the flower of Lapsana communis, a weed which goes by the common name of Nipplewort. As you can see, the blossom is relatively small, not even close to the size of that of a hawkweed or dandelion. Nor does it form a fuzzy seed head like them. Instead, it drops individually-sheathed seeds which do not split open (dehisce) until germination occurs. Consequently, the weed tends to remain in closer confines than those pests whose seeds are wind-dispersed, but nevertheless, it can take over an area and crowd out less vigorous native species. It is not listed as invasive, but it is not native to the area. The foliage is purportedly edible and the sap is reported to be soothing on the skin. I'll remember that the next time I'm out there pulling it by the handful.