Scientific Family
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Eclipta alba, E. erecta, Verbesina alba, V. prostrata and more see SEINET.
Other common names
yerba-de-tajo
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual or perennial
Height
Trailing to 3 feet
Riparian
Yes
Low growing self-seeding plant with prostrate or ascending reddish-purple stems; long lance-like green leaves (opposite but can be alternate higher up); singular small white ray flowers on short stalks in upper leaf axils.
Wet, disturbed habitats; leaves opposite, edges toothed; tiny white flower heads with short-stubby ray flowers in leaf axils, short stemmed or elevated on longer stems, outer bracts broader, longer than inner bracts; wedge-shaped seeds 4-angled.Â
Habitat
Likes wet or muddy soil; riverbanks, sunny locations, thrives in wet, disturbed habitats.
Plant Community
Riparian
Disturbed Areas
Low elevation
0
High elevation
3500
Flower Characteristics
Singular, sometimes clustered, white, short disc florets with pistils (female reproduction parts) but no stamens (male reproduction parts); pale yellow or light brown anthers (containing pollen) protruding from the small disc florets.
Flower color
White to creamy white
Flower shape
Daisy or dandelion-like
Tubular
No
First bloom month
June
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
Rounded
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Lance-like narrow (linear) leaves, sometimes broad, up to 5 inches long, without stalks or attached with short stalks; opposite leaves, upper can be alternate; sparingly toothed or smooth margined; short stiff hairs pressed against reddish-purple stems.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Hard 1-seeded capsule, <1 inch long; 4 angled, corky on the angles, can be topped with vestigial bristles.
Fruit type
Achene
Fruit color
Light brown to brown