Arizona Wild Flowers
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Camphorweed, Heterotheca subaxillaris

Camphorweed, Heterotheca subaxillaris

Camphorweed, Heterotheca subaxillaris	Telegraph Plant, Heterotheca subaxillaris

Camphorweed Heterotheca subaxillaris, Aster Family: ( Asteraceae ), Camphorweed. Also called: Telegraph Plant. An annual (occasionally bi-annual) herbaceous plant whose initial leaf growth radiates out flattened against the ground’s surface. Later in the growing season when the stalk develops, it becomes many branched at the top, leading to its other common name, Telegraph Plant. The leaves on the lower stems are petioled, whereas the upper leaves clasp the stem. Generally, they are ovoid, irregularly toothed, wavy, and arranged alternately along the stem. Its yellow composite flowers are approximately ½-inch wide by ¼-inch high. The whole plant is sticky to the touch due to its gland tipped leaf and stem hairs. It gives off a camphor-like odor affording the plant a level of respect. Camphorweed does extremely well around disturbed soils. It is found along roadsides, trails, and the margins of fields. It is found between 1,000-5,000 feet in elevation. It is found from the mid-east coast states extending into Florida and west into Arizona. Height: Growing about 18 to 36 inches tall. Flowers: Flowerheads are yellow, about 1/4 to 3/8 inch high, and 1/2 to 3/4 inch in diameter, including the 20 or more deep yellow petallike ray or marginal flowers. The 35 or more central (disk ) flowers are also yellow. Blooming Time: March - May, but mainly in the fall months of September - October. Leaves: The leaves are alternate with toothed margins. The lower and basal leaves are large, oval, or oblong; they are on a slender stalk, and usually there is a pair of leaflike lobes on either side of the stalk base. The upper leaves are much smaller and stalkless, their bases heartshaped and clasping the stem. Found: Found throughout Southwestern USA, and northwestern Mexico, up to about 5,500 feet elevation. Elevation: 0 - 5,500 Feet. Habitat: Alkaline, well-drained/light soils. Dry slopes, stream beds, especially roadsides, and washes. Miscellaneous: Flowering Photos Taken September 23, 2006. Cherry Road.