Cupseeded stickseed, Western sticktight, Beggar’s lice
| Botanical Name | Lappula occidentalis var cupulata |
| Common Name | Cupseeded stickseed, Western sticktight, Beggar’s lice |
| Family | Boraginaceae - Forget-me-not |
| Description | This native, annual plant has narrow leaves covered with hairs. It produces an abundant supply of seed from mid-summer to fall. A seed is about 1/8” in size and its margins are covered with a single row of spear-like spines. It spreads by clinging to animals and clothing. It can be weedy and invasive. There is a very similar-looking species called Lappula squarrosa. Its nutlet has many more spines than the nutlet of L. occidentalis. |
| Mature Size | 6” – 14” tall |
| Bloom | In May and June, numerous very small, pale blue to white, funnel-shaped flowers appear. |
| Interesting Facts | The spiny seed, becoming entangled in wool, makes it a problem for sheep ranchers. |
| Traditional and Medicinal Uses | None found. |
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Photos by Janice Tucker for SFBG
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