Shepherd's purse is a winter annual with deeply lobed leaves forming rosettes in the fall. Which feature helps distinguish it from dandelions?

Shepherd's purse is a winter annual with deeply lobed leaves forming rosettes in the fall. Which feature helps distinguish it from dandelions?

• A. Leaves lack milky sap
• B. Leaves have milky sap
• C. Flowers are yellow
• D. Leaves are evergreen

Answer: (A)

The key idea is using latex (milky sap) as a diagnostic trait. Dandelions exude a milky sap from broken tissue, while shepherd’s purse does not. Since you’re trying to tell them apart, note that the leaves of shepherd’s purse lack that milky sap, making this a reliable distinguishing feature in the field. If you see yellow flowers, you’re likely looking at a dandelion, whereas shepherd’s purse has small white flowers; evergreen leaves aren’t typical for these lawn weeds.

The key idea is using latex (milky sap) as a diagnostic trait. Dandelions exude a milky sap from broken tissue, while shepherd’s purse does not. Since you’re trying to tell them apart, note that the leaves of shepherd’s purse lack that milky sap, making this a reliable distinguishing feature in the field. If you see yellow flowers, you’re likely looking at a dandelion, whereas shepherd’s purse has small white flowers; evergreen leaves aren’t typical for these lawn weeds.