PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

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Scientific Name	Common Name	Global Rank	State Rank	Federal Status	WI Status

Prairie False-dandelion (Nothocalais cuspidata)

State Status: SC

Federal Status: none

State Rank: S2

Global Rank: G5

Photo by Thomas Meyer

Counties with Mapped NHI Occurrences

Prairie False-dandelion (Nothocalais cuspidata), a Wisconsin Special Concern plant, is found on dry, rock prairie bluffs and gravelly hillsides. Blooming occurs early-May through early-June, fruiting late-May through late-June. The optimal identification period for this species is early-May through early-June.

Synonyms:

Agoseris cuspidata, Microseris cuspidata

Identification

Prairie false-dandelion is an erect forb, 5-35cm tall, with numerous, bisexual, 17-25mm, flowers, with yellow that truncate at tips and have 5 teeth. Disk flowers are absent. Fruits are achenes, 8mm, strongly striate throughout, and taper slightly to the truncate, the apex is beakless. Leaves are crowded, narrow, grass-like, 7-30cm long by 3-20mm wide, entire, the margins are lined with tiny hairs and often curled, wavy, or crinkled.

Distinguishing Characteristics and Similar Species

The combination of basal-only, grass-like leaves and yellow, bluntly-tipped or fringed ray flowers are enough to distinguish this species from others in the Aster family.

Phenology and Reproduction

Phenology

Blooming occurs early-May through early-June, fruiting late-May through late-June.

Life Cycle, Optimum Time to Identify

Perennial. The optimal identification period for this species is early-May through early-June.

Ecology and Associated Species

Associated species include Anemone caroliniana, A patens, Opuntia compressa, Monarda punctata, Commelina erecta, Geum triflorum, Viola pedata, and Linaria canadensis.

Habitat

Prairie false-dandelion is found on dry, rock prairie bluffs and gravelly hillsides.

Avoidance Measures and Management Guidance

Avoidance Measures

Avoid known individual plant locations and conduct operations elsewhere when they are least likely to cause damage. Ideally, this would involve frozen, snow-covered ground. However, in areas of the state where frozen conditions are unreliable, very dry soils late in the growing season might be the best available alternative. Consult with a biologist, if needed.

Avoid broadcast spraying of herbicides and use care with spot spraying.

Management Guidance

Prescribed burns and/or brushing may be beneficial, dependent on local site conditions and burn frequency. Rotational burns with annual unburned refugia may be preferred.

Maintain and restore open habitat through selective clearing and brushing.

Wildlife Action Plan

Associated Natural Communities and Ecological Landscapes

Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) are associated with habitats (or natural communities) and places on the landscape. Understanding relationships among SGCN, natural communities and ecological landscapes help us make decisions about issues affecting SGCN and their habitat and how to respond. Download the Wildlife Action Plan association score spreadsheet to explore rare species, natural communities and ecological landscape associations

Issues/Threats and Conservation Actions

Conservation actions respond to issues or threats, which adversely affect species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) or their habitats. Besides actions such as restoring wetlands or planting resilient tree species in northern communities, research, surveys and monitoring are also among conservation actions described in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan because lack of information can threaten our ability to successfully preserve and care for natural resources.

PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

Prairie False-dandelion (Nothocalais cuspidata)

Rare Species & Natural Communities

Additional Resources

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