Asteraceae

Ageratina adenophora

Common Names: Crofton weed

Plant Form: Herbaceous shrub. Size: 1-3 m tall. Stem: Purplish, erect, smooth, and shortly branched near top. Has glandular hairs when young. Leaves: Oppositely arranged, dark green, diamond shaped 3-12 cm long with small stiff hairs and toothed edges. Flowers: In cluster of 40-50 small white daisy-like flowers. Fruit and Seeds: Small seed like capsules, dark brown to black, angular, and with a ring of white hairs at top. Habitat: Roadsides, old gardens, pastures, hillsides. Distinguishing Features: Distinguished from Mistflower (Ageratina riparia) by upright habit. Impacts: Reducing grazing capacity and crop yield, toxic to horses, reduces biodiversity.