Pictorial guide to the flora of the British Isles

Home ⟩ Pictorial Guide ⟩ Asteraceae / Compositae ⟩ Helminthotheca echioides / bristly oxtongue

Helminthotheca echioides (L.) Holub

bristly oxtongue (Asteraceae / Compositae)

 SpreadBias within British IslesDirection of bias
Very widespreadStrong tendencySE
Plant Atlas 2020
BSBI Distribution Map

Synonym | Picris echioides L.

Helminthotheca echioides grows in waste ground in the south-eastern half of England, and near the coasts of Wales, Ireland and northern England.

Oxford (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2014-06-24

 bristly oxtongue / Helminthotheca echioides: _Helminthotheca echioides_ grows in waste ground in the south-eastern half of England, and near the coasts of Wales, Ireland and northern England.

Much of the plant is covered with swollen-based spines.

Oxford (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2012-07-15

 bristly oxtongue / Helminthotheca echioides: Much of the plant is covered with swollen-based spines.

The outer phyllaries of Helminthotheca echioides are broad, with a cordate base, distinguishing it from Picris echioides.

Oxford (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2014-09-17

 bristly oxtongue / Helminthotheca echioides: The outer phyllaries of _Helminthotheca echioides_ are broad, with a cordate base, distinguishing it from _Picris echioides_.

The achenes of Helminthotheca echioides have a feathery pappus.

Milton Keynes (VC24: Buckinghamshire); 2008-09-14

 bristly oxtongue / Helminthotheca echioides: The achenes of _Helminthotheca echioides_ have a feathery pappus.

All images copyright © Christopher J. Dixon unless otherwise indicated.

L-R: Bidens tripartita, Melilotus officinalis, Mimulus guttatus, Thalictrum flavum, Ranunculus peltatus, Anchusa arvensis, Malva alcea, Lolium perenne