Origin:
A native plant in North America, and found from New Jersey south to Florida, and west to Missouri and Texas. It also can be found in Latin America south to Guatemala and in the West Indies.
Biology:
A short-lived perennial that grows in a narrow, upright habit, with several strong stems arising from the base of the plant. Propagation is from seeds and from re-growth from the base of the plant. Found in many disturbed sites along roadsides or empty fields, as well as in newly planted turf and in nurseries.
Identification:
Mature plants can be up to 6 feet in height with one to several stems. Stems are densely hairy and arise from a woody crown. Leaves are fairly large, but are so deeply divided that they appear feathery. Lower leaves are opposite and upper leaves are alternate, and when crushed the foliage gives off a strong aroma. As the plant matures the tips often begin to nod to the side. Flowers occur as small, inconspicuous clusters along the ends of the stems.
Characteristicts Important to Control:
A non-selective systemic herbicide will be effective in most sites, while in turf a selective broadleaf systemic material will be needed. Physical removal will be effective if the entire root system is removed. Pre-emergent herbicide applications need to be timed to prior to seed germination.
