Eupatorium compositifolium explained

Eupatorium compositifolium, commonly called yankeeweed^[1] and coastal dog fennel,^{[2] [3]} is a North American herbaceous perennial plant in the family Asteraceae native to the southern United States (from North Carolina to Florida and Texas).^[4] Like other members of the genus Eupatorium it has inflorescences containing a large number of small, white flower heads, each with 5 disc florets but no ray florets. The plant is 0.5 to 2 meters (20-80 inches) tall.^[5] Flowers bloom August to October. Its habitats include sand dunes, disturbed areas, and flat-woods.

It is closely related to Eupatorium capillifolium and Eupatorium leptophyllum and some authors consider all of them to be varieties of E. capillifolium.^[6] However, E. compositifolium is not as tall as E. capillifolium and is found in drier areas.^[7]

Because it is not grazed by livestock, and mostly not eaten by wildlife, it is considered undesirable in places like pastures and controlled by means such as herbicides.^[8]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Eupatorium compositifolium. .
2. https://auth1.dpr.ncparks.gov/flora/species_account.php?id=378 "Eupatorium compositifolium"
3. B. R. Keener et al. "Eupatorium compositifolium" at Alabama Plant Atlas. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
4. http://bonap.net/MapGallery/County/Eupatorium%20compositifolium.png Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution map
5. Web site: Eupatorium . .
6. Web site: Eupatorium capillifolium . Fire Effects Information System . U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory . 2008-08-06 .
7. Factors Affecting Germination of Dogfennel (Eupatorium capillifolium) and Yankeeweed (Eupatorium compositifolium) . Gregory E. MacDonald, Barry J. Brecke and Donn G. Shilling . Weed Science . 40 . 3 . Jul–Sep 1992 . 424–428 . 10.1017/S0043174500051857 . 4045284 .
8. Response of Yankeeweed (Eupatorium compositifolium) and Associated Pasture Plants to Herbicides . Robert E. Meyer and Rodney W. Bovey . Weed Technology . 5 . 1 . Jan–Mar 1991 . 214–217 . 10.1017/S0890037X00033558 . 3986818 .