A coarse weed with an erect stem with branching clusters, growing to a height of 30 - 210 cm.

Description

Distinguishing Features - Leaves: numerous, alternate, ascending, mostly linear to linear-oblanceolate or lower ones elliptic-oblong to oblanceolate and often coarsely toothed, the latter often early deciduous, 2 - 10 cm long, 2 - 10 mm wide, acute, tapered to a sessile or short-petiolate base, usually hispid on the margins and at least on the midrib beneath. Flowers: a terminal, elongate cluster with ascending racemiform branches; heads usually numerous, inconspicuously radiate; white or pinky-purplish-tinged; disk corollas yellowish to light pinkish. Fruit: single-seeded, with numerous bristles.

Habitat

Native of North America, widespread throughout Canada and the United States; spread to Europe; on disturbed ground; often invades shorelines.

Notes

North American Indians and early settlers used a preparation of Horseweed leaves to treat dysentery and sore throat.

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