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Heterotheca subaxillaris

camphorweed

Asteraceae Southern North America

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Fragrant (strong)

Native to North America

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

Overview

Heterotheca subaxillaris is an annual to biennial herb of the daisy family, growing 1-4 feet (30-120 cm) tall on stiff, branching stems coated in sticky, gland-tipped hairs that give off a strong camphor odor when bruised. The lower leaves are oval and stalked, 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) long, while the upper leaves clasp the stem. From summer into fall the branch tips bear yellow flower heads 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) across, each with both ray and disk florets in the daisy pattern. Two kinds of seed form on each head: the outer ray seeds are smooth and stay put, while the inner disk seeds carry a parachute of bristles and blow on the wind. The plant grows fast in loose, sandy soil and self-sows freely, colonizing dunes, roadsides, and disturbed ground. It tolerates heat, drought, and salt spray but is short-lived, completing its cycle in one or two seasons and dying after setting seed.

Native Range

Native to the southern and southeastern United States and northern Mexico, from the Atlantic and Gulf coasts west to Arizona. It is most frequent on coastal dunes, sand flats, and dry disturbed sites, and has spread north along sandy roadsides and railways.

Suggested Uses

Grown in coastal, dune, and sandy wildflower plantings and for erosion control on loose soils, spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. The late-season flowers serve as a nectar source for bees and butterflies.

How to Identify

Recognized by sticky, camphor-scented foliage on branching stems and yellow daisy flower heads at the branch tips in late summer and fall. The strong camphor smell of crushed leaves separates it from other yellow-flowered asters. Upper leaves clasp the stem, while lower leaves are stalked and oval.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 4'

Width/Spread1' - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~14 weeks

Summer Fall

Flowers from midsummer through fall, roughly July to October, peaking after late-summer rains. The yellow daisy heads open in succession at the branch tips over many weeks. Seed ripens and disperses within a few weeks of each flush.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun on loose, sandy, fast-draining soil and tolerates a pH from 5.5 to 7.5. It withstands heat, drought, poor fertility, and coastal salt spray once established and needs no irrigation in most climates. Rich or wet, heavy soil shortens its life and encourages weak growth. As a fast-cycling annual or biennial, it is grown from seed sown on bare sandy ground in spring. It self-sows readily and can spread beyond where it is wanted. No fertilizer is required.