Summary
Lappula squarrosa, commonly known as stickseed or square-stemmed stickseed, is a species of flowering plant in the borage family (Boraginaceae). It is native to North America and can be found in many areas of the western and central United States, as well as Canada. It is also known as Bluebur, squirrel-tail bur, or stick tight.
It's a small annual herb that grows to be 8-35 cm tall, with a stem that is square in cross-section. The leaves are hairy and alternate, with the upper leaves being smaller than the lower ones. The flowers are small and usually blue, but can also be white or pink. They bloom in spring and early summer.
This plant is considered a weed because it can be invasive in cultivated fields, pastures, and other areas where it can outcompete native vegetation. It has small burrs that can become entangled in wool and hair, which can be quite a nuisance to animals and people alike.
It has been used by native American as medicinal plant, roots and leaves have medicinal properties, traditionally used to treat wounds, and skin diseases.
Control method of this plant include cultural control method like crop rotation, competition from other plants, and mechanical control methods like hand pulling and mowing. In more serious cases, chemical control methods such as herbicides may be used to effectively control the growth of stickseed.
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The Bur Forget-me-not, also known as Lappula squarrosa, is a flowering plant that belongs to the borage family (Boraginaceae). It is native to North America and can be found in many regions, including the western United States, Canada, and Mexico. The plant is named for its small, delicate blue flowers, which resemble forget-me-nots, and its burs, which are covered in tiny hooked spines that easily attach to clothing and animal fur.
Physical Characteristics
The Bur Forget-me-not is a low-growing plant that typically grows up to 20 inches (50 cm) in height. It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are covered in small, stiff hairs. The stems are also covered in tiny hairs and are branched near the top, where the flowers grow. The flowers are small and delicate, with five petals that range in color from pale blue to deep blue. The blooms appear from May to August and are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
The plant produces small, round burs that are covered in tiny hooked spines. These burs easily stick to clothing and animal fur, allowing the plant to spread its seeds far and wide. The burs are also toxic to some animals and can cause health problems if ingested.
Habitat and Range
The Bur Forget-me-not is found in a variety of habitats, including open fields, grasslands, meadows, and along roadsides. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions. The plant is often found in disturbed areas, such as recently cleared land or areas that have been grazed.
The Bur Forget-me-not is native to North America and can be found in many regions, including the western United States, Canada, and Mexico. It is most commonly found in the western half of the continent, from Alaska and British Columbia in the north to California and New Mexico in the south.
Ecological Significance
The Bur Forget-me-not is an important plant for pollinators, providing nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other insects. It is also an important food source for some herbivores, such as deer and elk, who browse on the leaves and stems.
In addition, the Bur Forget-me-not has been used in traditional medicine by various indigenous peoples. It was used to treat a variety of ailments, including coughs, sore throats, and skin conditions.
Conservation Status
The Bur Forget-me-not is not considered to be a threatened or endangered species, although it may be negatively affected by habitat loss and fragmentation. It is important to protect and conserve the plant's natural habitats to ensure that it continues to provide important ecological services and medicinal benefits.
Some Facts about Bur Forget-me-not
Here are a few additional interesting facts about the Bur Forget-me-not:
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The hooked spines on the plant's burs are the reason for its common name. They easily attach to clothing and animal fur, making the plant a common hitchhiker and seed disperser.
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The plant's scientific name, Lappula squarrosa, is derived from the Finnish word "lapponica," which means "from Lapland." This name refers to the fact that the plant is found in northern regions, including Lapland, a region that spans parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia.
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In addition to being used in traditional medicine, the Bur Forget-me-not has also been used as a natural dye. The plant produces a blue dye that was used to color textiles and clothing.
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The plant is a hardy and adaptable species that can grow in a variety of conditions. It is often found in disturbed areas, such as along roadsides or in recently cleared land, where it can quickly colonize and spread.
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The Bur Forget-me-not is closely related to other plants in the borage family, including comfrey, lungwort, and borage. Like these plants, the Bur Forget-me-not has hairy leaves and stems and produces flowers that are attractive to pollinators.
Overall, the Bur Forget-me-not is a fascinating and important plant that plays an important role in North American ecosystems. Its delicate blue flowers and hooked burs make it a distinctive and easily recognizable species, while its ecological and medicinal significance underscores its importance as a part of our natural world.
Even more about Bur Forget-me-not
The Bur Forget-me-not, scientifically known as Lappula squarrosa, is a low-growing plant that belongs to the borage family (Boraginaceae). It is native to North America and can be found in many regions, including the western United States, Canada, and Mexico. The plant is named for its small, delicate blue flowers, which resemble forget-me-nots, and its burs, which are covered in tiny hooked spines that easily attach to clothing and animal fur.
The plant has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are covered in small, stiff hairs. The stems are also covered in tiny hairs and are branched near the top, where the flowers grow. The flowers have five petals that range in color from pale blue to deep blue. The blooms appear from May to August and are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
The plant produces small, round burs that are covered in tiny hooked spines. These burs easily stick to clothing and animal fur, allowing the plant to spread its seeds far and wide. The burs are also toxic to some animals and can cause health problems if ingested.
The Bur Forget-me-not is found in a variety of habitats, including open fields, grasslands, meadows, and along roadsides. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions. The plant is often found in disturbed areas, such as recently cleared land or areas that have been grazed.
The Bur Forget-me-not is an important plant for pollinators, providing nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other insects. It is also an important food source for some herbivores, such as deer and elk, who browse on the leaves and stems.
In addition, the Bur Forget-me-not has been used in traditional medicine by various indigenous peoples. It was used to treat a variety of ailments, including coughs, sore throats, and skin conditions.
The plant is not considered to be a threatened or endangered species, although it may be negatively affected by habitat loss and fragmentation. It is important to protect and conserve the plant's natural habitats to ensure that it continues to provide important ecological services and medicinal benefits.
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