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.
Field Identification:
Plant Trivia:
Occurrence: Frequent in moist soils, usually in swales and depressions and along shores.
Bloom Period: May – December
Plant Use: Excellent butterfly nectar plant. Leaves emit a noticeable odor when bruised.
Key to the Genus Pluchea:
- Leaves broad at base, cordate……………………………..P. foetida
Leaves narrowed to base…………………………………….P. odorata
