Cudweeds

Sure, every wildflower will attract some sort of insect to pollinate the reproductive parts. But let's face it, some bland, unremarkable wildflowers are barely worth a picture. This blog does not discriminate on the basis of botanical beauty, so today's post covers the lowly Cudweeds (genus Gnaphalium).

Gnaphalium is a genus of flowering plants in the Asteraceae family. This genus contains about 120 species. They are mostly found in temperate regions, although some are found on tropical mountains or in the subtropical regions of the world. The origin of the common name is hazy at best. The most I could find on it, loosely points to cows with cud problems grazing on it...

On the bright side, the American Painted Lady caterpillar seems to prefer chowing down on these Cudweeds. So they do have a purpose after all!

The Purple Cudweed (Gnaphalium purpureum) grows on the Oregon coast and is said to be the most interesting version of the plant.

We spotted two different cudweeds recently, as noted below.

Cotton-batting Cudweed (G. chilense) on Laurelview Road.

Close up of flowers.

Marsh cudweed (G. uliginosum) at Jackson Bottom Wetlands (8/14/2013)

American Painter Lady at Jackson Bottom Wetlands (8/14/2013)