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Camphor weed

Heterotheca subaxillaris (Lam.) Britton

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Camphor weed
Camphor weed leaves
Camphor weed leaves
Camphor weed leaf and stem
Camphor weed
Camphor weed heads
Camphor weed habit
Camphor weed
Camphor weed habit
Camphor weed
Camphor weed habit
Camphor weed habit
Camphor weed
Camphor weed
Camphor weed
Camphor weed
Camphor weed
Camphor weed heads

Morphology

Stem
Erect, sometimes bushy, glandular, spreading- to long-hairy.
Leaves
Alternate, simple, upper sessile and clasping, lower on stalks, oblong or ovate, up to 4 inches long, 1/2 to 2 inches wide; surfaces rough or hairy; margins toothed or nearly entire; middle and upper leaves progressively reduced in size.
Inflorescence
Loose, corymb-like cluster of numerous heads; involcural bracts overlapping in 4-6 series, short-hairy, usually glandular.
Flower
Conspicuous, 1/2 to 3/4 inch wide; ray florets 20-40, yellow; ligule about 1/5 inch long; disk florets yellow.
Fruit
Achene of ray flowers triangular, thick, mostly glaborus, pappus absent; achenes of disk flowers flattened, hairy, pappus double, outer row of short scales, inner numerous hair-like bristles.

Ecology

Habitat
Open disturbed sites, prairies, open woods, and roadsides; dry sandy or rocky soils.
Distribution
Principally in west 2/3 of Kansas, but also to the east border in the Kansas River system.

Practical Information

Forage Value
Livestock will not graze camphor weed.

Additional Notes

Comments

The foliage has a camphor-like aroma.

Quick Facts
Plant Type
Wildflower
Family
Asteraceae - Sunflower Family
Life Span
Annual
Height
1-5 feet
Last Updated
2007-10-31
Color Groups
Yellow Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Blooms: July, August, September, October