The Genus Heterotheca
Camphorweeds
Family: Asteraceae
Perennial plants emerging from woody tap roots, these species are usually very willing to volunteer about the landscape and are considered weedy by some. But they are excellent nectar plants.
Most species are good in full to part sun, with moderate water. All are cold hardy for us in the low desert.
Heterotheca species are often used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including several noctuid moths like the lynx flower moth (Schinia lynx), Camphorweed Flower Moth (Schinia nubila) and Brown Flower Moth Schinia saturata—all of which have been recorded on Heterotheca subaxillaris).
These species are used in numerous ways, internally and externally, for medicine by many people.
These species have interesting chemistry: the leaf volatiles from which the name "camphorweed" is derived include camphor, but as a minor constituent (less than 2%); of the 41 documented volatiles in a study of Heterotheca subaxillaris, for example, caryophyllene, pinene, borneol, myrcene, and limonene each comprised over 5% of the total.
There are 28 species located throughout North America.
Rockyscree False (Goldenaster Heterotheca fulcrata) Usually about a foot tall but can get taller. Found in dry rocky soils, from 5,000-8,000', photo by Max Licher, SEINET
Rutter's False Goldenaster (Heterotheca rutteri) Grows about 1-2' tall. This species is pretty rare now. Found on sandy, loamy soils, in grassland communities with mesquite, in grassy understories in oak woodlands, and grassy flood plains, on dry plains and mesas, of conservation concern, from 3,500-5,000', photo by Liz Makings, SEINET
Camphorweed (Heterotheca subaxillaris) The most common species, grows 2-5' tall. Found in streams, ditches, fence-rows, and in disturbed soils; 1,000-5,500', photo by Max Licher, SEINET
Hairy False Goldenaster (Heterotheca villosa) Usually 1-2' tall. Found on dry slopes, mesas, plains, and openings in a variety of plant communities, from 1,500-8,500', photo by Liz Makings, SEINET