Look-A-Likes: North Microseris and Northern Silverpuffs

Hello there MeadoWatchers,
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                  In this post, I would like to highlight yet another look-a-like set of species; Northern Silverpuffs (Microseris borealis), and a MeadoWatch focal species, North Microseris or Smooth Mountain Dandelion (Nothocalais alpestris or Microseris alpestis).
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North Microseris (to the right) is a small dandelion-like species only about 10-50 cm tall. It bears only 1 bright yellow flower head per stalk, only 2-3 cm broad, with brown tipped ray flowers. The leave are all basal, about 5-15 cm long, and are a slightly wider lanceolate shaped. The leaf margin is without strong teeth although many leaves have minute small teeth, facing toward the stem of the plant. Fairly common at high elevations throughout the Park. 
Northern Silverpuffs (below) are smaller that North Microseris, reaching between 3-35 cm tall. The leafless stem bears 1 yellow flower slightly smaller than North Microseris. The leaves of the plant are also all basal and 6-15 cm long narrowly lanceolate shaped, come to a sharp point at the leaf tip, and have less pronounced toothing facing toward the stem of the plant along the leaf margin. It is generally less common in the park, growing in wetter meadows. 

North Microseris (Smooth Mountain Dandelion)- Microseris alpestris or Nothocalais alpestris

Northern Silverpuffs - Microseris borealis

These two species can be somewhat challenging to tell apart but with some careful study and attention it is certainly possible! Please feel free to share any ID tips you have for telling these two species apart. 

Happy IDing!

Your MeadoWatch Team (Emmi)