Studies suggest that plants have allelopathic properties. Colonies in cultivated fields can significantly reduce crop yields. Handling foliage may cause contact dermatitis and inhaling pollen can trigger allergic responses in sensitive individuals. Elsewhere it has been associated with selenium poisoning of livestock grazing on high selenium soils, but animals seldom consume the unpalatable foliage. No information available.
Margins smooth .
Phyllaries fused into a shallow cup , 5-8 lobed. Roots survive, but foliage dies back in cold winter climates. Alkaline plains, edges of salt marshes, cultivated fields, pastures, roadsides, waste places. Often grows on poorly drained, heavy alkaline or saline soils, but not limited to these soil types. Roots seldom exhaust their energy reserves.