[Cudweeds: The Genera Gamochaeta, Gnaphalium and Pseudognaphalium in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon and Washington]

Lowland Cudweed, Western Marsh Cudweed

Gnaphalium palustre

Synonyms: Filaginella palustris, Gnaphalium heteroides, Gnaphalium palustre var. nanum

Lowland Cudweed, Western Marsh Cudweed: Gnaphalium palustre (Synonyms: Filaginella palustris, Gnaphalium heteroides, Gnaphalium palustre var. nanum)

A close-up sideview of llowland cudweed as seen from a vernally moist pool next to the Old Highway at Catherine Creek, Columbia River Gorge......June 3, 2009.

Lowland Cudweed, Western Marsh Cudweed: Gnaphalium palustre (Synonyms: Filaginella palustris, Gnaphalium heteroides, Gnaphalium palustre var. nanum) The photo at right shows the woolly flower heads of lowland cudweed clustered at the tips of the stems and branches. Photographed next to the Deschutes River at its mouth........September 3, 2000.
Characteristics:

Lowland cudweed is an annual weed with a low, spreading growth. Its stems range in length from 3-15 cm long, although lengths to 30 cm may occur. The stems are mostly branched with alternating leaves. The herbage is covered with loose white hairs giving the plant the appearance of a smallish pearly everlasting. Individual leaves are often broadly oblanceolate or oblong in shape with entire margins. They range in length from 1-3.5 cm long and from 2-10 mm wide.

The numerous small flower heads are grouped in leafy bracted clusters at the ends of the stems. The involucral bracts are densely white woolly below and more brownish above with white tips. The involucral bracts range from 3-4 mm long.


Habitat:

Lowland cudweed may be found in low moist places such as along streams puddles, and in dried vernal pools. It may also be found as a considerable pest on moist cultivated lands. It is tolerant of alkali conditions.


Range:

Lowland cudweed may be found across much of Canada and in the western United States roughly from the Rocky Mts. west.

In the Columbia River Gorge it may be found between the elevations of 0'-2000' throughout the length of the Gorge.


Lowland Cudweed, Western Marsh Cudweed: Gnaphalium palustre (Synonyms: Filaginella palustris, Gnaphalium heteroides, Gnaphalium palustre var. nanum)

Low cudweed growing on a sandbar along the Klickitat River near Beeks Canyon, Klickitat County, Washington.......July 21, 2011.

Lowland Cudweed, Western Marsh Cudweed: Gnaphalium palustre (Synonyms: Filaginella palustris, Gnaphalium heteroides, Gnaphalium palustre var. nanum)

The photo above shows lowland cudweed in moist sandy soils next to the Deschutes River at its mouth.........September 3, 2000.

Paul Slichter