Purple Marsh Fleabane, Canela

Pluchea odorata (formerly P. purpurascens)

Family: Asteraceae

Plant Description: Annual to 120 cm high with aromatic leaves 4-15 cm long, alternate, ovate, margins entire to toothed. Heads in dense corymbs, 5-7 mm high, discoid. Corolla pink or purple.

Plant Trivia:

Field Identification:

Occurrence: Frequent in moist soils, usually in swales and depressions a d along shores.

Bloom Period: May- December

Plant Use: Excellent butterfly nectar plant. Leaves emit a noticeable odor when bruised.

Key the species Pluchea:

  1. Leaves broad at base, cordate………………………………………………P. foetida

Leaves narrowed to base……………………………………………………..P. odorata