Dittrichia, Genus, graveolens, Species,
- Genus & species
stinkwort
Mediterranean region and western Asia
Overview
Dittrichia graveolens is a strongly aromatic, glandular-hairy annual in the daisy family growing 8-36 inches (20-90 cm) tall, with a bushy, much-branched, pyramidal form. The narrow, sticky leaves are 0.5-2 inches (1.3-5 cm) long and release a heavy, camphor-like odor when touched, which gives the plant its name. Late in the season, from late summer into late fall, it produces many small yellow flower heads about 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) wide, each with short ray florets, scattered along the branch tips. Native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia, it has spread as an invasive weed in California, Oregon, Australia, and elsewhere, colonizing roadsides, fields, disturbed ground, and increasingly highway shoulders and drainage channels. D. graveolens germinates late, flowers and seeds in autumn after most other annuals have finished, and tolerates dry, compacted, and saline soils. Its sticky resins can cause skin irritation and allergic dermatitis, and the seed bristles and resins can injure or sicken grazing livestock. It is listed as a noxious or invasive weed in several regions.
Native Range
Native to the Mediterranean region, North Africa, and western Asia. It has become an invasive weed in California, Oregon, parts of Australia, and other areas with dry summers, spreading along roadsides, fields, and disturbed ground.Suggested Uses
This species is not grown as a garden or ornamental plant. It is managed almost entirely as an invasive and noxious weed along roadsides, in fields, and on disturbed land, where control efforts focus on preventing seed set. It has no recognized landscape, forage, or wildlife use and is removed where it appears.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 3'
Width/Spread8" - 2'
Bloom Information
Flowering comes very late in the year, from late summer through late fall, often into November in mild climates, after most summer annuals have set seed. The small yellow heads open over several weeks and quickly form bristly seeds. The late season helps the plant spread before winter.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established