Heterotheca subaxillaris

Common Name: Camphorweed, Telegraph Plant
Oˊodham Name: [unknown]
Group: Forbs － Desert biome through lower Madrean Woodland

Description

Heterotheca subaxillaris is a distinctive plant. The shrubby growth form is unusual in having more branching near the top of the stems while leaves are produced along the entire length of the stem. The crushed leaves smell like Camphor, hence the common name of the plant. This species if found growing on sandy flats, along roadsides, and in disturbed areas from 1000 to 6500 feet elevation. Growth and flowering begins after the Monsoon rains have started and continues through the Fall.

Heterotheca subaxillaris
Heterotheca subaxillaris 2
stems
leaves and flowers
flowers

Classification

Kingdom Plantae － Plants

Subkingdom Tracheobionta － Vascular plants

Superdivision Spermatophyta － Seed plants

Division Magnoliophyta － Flowering plants

Class Magnoliopsida － Dicotyledons

Subclass Asteridae

Order Asterales

Family Asteraceae － Aster family

Genus Heterotheca Cass. － false goldenaster

Species Heterotheca subaxillaris (Lam.) Britton & Rusby － camphorweed

More Information

USDA Plant Profile and Map