This glossary definition is part of the Purdue Arboretum learning resource database, providing educational information on campus flora, morphology, and botanical terminology.
Pappus
A structure consisting of feather-like bristles or hairs attached to seeds (most often of the Aster family – Asteracea or Compositae) to help them disperse by means of wind.
Did you know?
The fluffy pappus on a dandelion cypsela acts like a parachute and can carry the fruit long distances on wind.
The Purdue Arboretum is a collaboration between the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture and Administrative Operations