Scientific Family
Asteraceae
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
2 feet
Riparian
No
A compact sub-shrub or forb with intricate multi-branches. Contains some rubber compounds. Fragrant.
Only 1 species of Parthenium in Yavapai County. The genus characteristics are heads that eradiate, receptacles paleate; pappi wholly or partially of awns; phyllaries fall
together.
Habitat
Dry gravelly slopes, rocky outcroppings and canyons. Limestone soils and openings in desert scrub.
Plant Community
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Interior Chaparral
Grasslands
Desert Scrub
Low elevation
2500
High elevation
6000
Flower Characteristics
Inflorescence appears at the terminal ends of leafless stems in clusters 2 to 3 inches across. Flat topped composite heads with tiny
ray and disc flowers resemble cauliflower. Flowers are about 1/4 inch wide. Ray flowers less than 1/8 inch long.
Flower color
Pale yellow to yellowish-white
Flower shape
Daisy or dandelion-like
Tubular
No
First bloom month
June
Last bloom month
October
Flower clusters
Rounded
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Pinnately lobed and aromatic. 1 inch long by 1/2 inch wide.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Grayish-green
Leaf shape
Pinnatifid
Leaf margin
Lobed
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruit type
Achene