Plants of Texas Rangelands

Virtual Herbarium

Camphorweed , Camphor Weed

Heterotheca subaxillaris (Lam.) Britt. & Rusby

Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)

Description

Because its name is used for different plants across the United States, Camphorweed must be checked by scientific name for proper identification. Also known as H. latifolia by some authors, it is generally recognized by the strong camphor-like scent when the leaves are crushed.  Camphorweed is a mostly annual, warm-season native that generally emerges from the ground as a single stem, then branches several inches above the ground. It is often described as having a one-sided, unbalanced appearance. It can reach up to 3 ft or 90 cm tall.  Its stems and leaves are covered in spreading white hairs that may be sticky to the touch. Leaves are elliptic to lanceolate, alternate, and have toothed margins. It has showy, bright yellow flowers with hairy leaves clasping the spindly branches. Blooming occurs from July through November, depending on moisture. It propagates by seed and readily self-sows.   The forage value of Camphorweed is fair for most grazing animals, but it is unpalatable for grazing livestock on open ranges. It is attractive to pollinators. 

Habitat

Camphorweed can grow profusely in disturbed sites and a variety of soil types, preferring well-drained, sandy soils. Its distribution ranges from New Jersey to Florida, West to Texas, and North to Kansas. Native habitats include prairies, coastal dunes, grasslands, pinelands, and roadsides.   

Images

Camphorweed: Whole Plant
Camphorweed: Leaf
Camphorweed: Stem
Camphorweed: Flower

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