Look-A-Likes: North Microseris and Northern Silverpuffs

Hello there MeadoWatchers,
​
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).
​ 

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)

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)