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Cressleaf Groundsel Identification

Fields of yellow flowers can be found all over the state. Issues with cressleaf groundsel can bring about questions concerning toxicity to livestock. Previous C.O.R.N. articles have covered management and can be found here. Cressleaf groundsel may be confused with members of the mustard family, or other species with yellow flowers that bloom this time of year. Below are some key ID characteristics and pictures that can be helpful in differentiating cressleaf groundsel from other species.

A field of yellow flowersDescription automatically generated with medium confidence

 

Cressleaf groundsel, or butterweed (Packera glabella)

Leaves – alternate, divided leaves with round-toothed lobes

Stems – smooth and hollow

Flowers – clusters of ray flowers

 

A close-up of a green plantDescription automatically generated with medium confidence

 

A close-up of a plantDescription automatically generated with medium confidence

 

A group of yellow flowersDescription automatically generated with medium confidence

Picture credit: Curtis Young

 

Hedge mustard (Sisymbrium officinale)

Leaves – deeply divided leaves, triangular shape

Stem – hairy stem

Flowers – four petals per flower

A plant on a piece of paperDescription automatically generated with medium confidence

A yellow flowers on a piece of paperDescription automatically generated with medium confidence

 

A hand holding a yellow flowerDescription automatically generated with medium confidence

Picture credit: Sam Custar

 

Yellow rocket (Barbarea vulgaris)

Leaves – alternate leaves with large terminal lobe

Stem – hairless stem

Flower – four petals per flower

A potted plant with green leavesDescription automatically generated with low confidence

 

A close-up of a leafDescription automatically generated with medium confidence

 

Close-up of a yellow flowerDescription automatically generated

Picture credit: Bruce Ackley (1 & 2) and Doug Doohan (3)

 

Lesser celandine (Ranunculus ficaria)

Leaves – kidney to heart shaped

Stem – basal rosette

Flower – 7 to 12 yellow petals

Lesser Celandine

 

Lesser Celandine

Lesser Celandine

Picture credit: Joe Boggs

 

 

Crop Observation and Recommendation Network

C.O.R.N. Newsletter is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio crop producers and industry. C.O.R.N. Newsletter is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, state specialists at The Ohio State University and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC). C.O.R.N. Newsletter questions are directed to Extension and OARDC state specialists and associates at Ohio State.

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