Ageratina aromatica (L.) Spach - Lesser Snakeroot
Family - Asteraceae
Stems:
Leaves:
Inflorescence:
Involucre:
Ray flowers:
Absent.
Disk flowers:
Flowering - August - November.
Habitat - Pine flatwoods, sandhills, hammocks, old fields.
Origin - Native to North America.
Other information - This species can be found infrequently scattered throughout Alabama. The plant can be identified by its minutely pubescent stems, short leaf petioles, and externally pubescent corolla lobes. The leaf blades of this species are also thick and fairly tough.
The genus name Ageratina derives from the Greek "agera" meaning "un-aging, not growing old" probably becasue the flowers last for some time.
The species epithet aromatica derives from the Greek "aroma(t)" meaning "spice, seasoning." I have never noticed much scent from this species, however.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken at Fort Benning, GA., 10-12-05.