Purple Cudweed

Scientific Name - Gnaphalium purpureum L.
Family - Compositae

Annual or biennial developing a basal rosette of leaves. Stems highly branched from base of plant. Stem and underside of leaves with soft velvet-like hairs. Upper leaf surface dull green. Rosette and lower stem leaves spatula-shaped with blunt tips, upper leaves reduce in size. Flowers tanish-white in clusters at upper leaf axils. Bracts surrounding flower clusters pink or purple in color. Reproduces by seed. Found throughout the continental United States except for North and South Dakota. Also found in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Europe.