Youngia japonica Plant Identification (Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses)

Youngia japonica (L.) DC. – Oriental False Hawksbeard

Youngia japonica plant

FamilyAsteraceae

Stems:

Youngia japonica stemLower portion of stem.

Leaves:

Youngia japonica leaves

Inflorescence:

Youngia japonica inflorescence

Involucre:

Youngia japonica involucre

Ray flowers:

Youngia japonica flowers

Disk flowers:

Absent.

Flowering – February – December.

Habitat – Disturbed sites, waste places, roadsides, lawns.

Origin – Native to southeastern Asia.

Other information – This weedy species can be found in scattered counties of southern Alabama. The plant is easy to identify becasue of its basal rosette of pinnatifid leaves, its densely hairy lower stems, and its many small heads of bright yellow flowers.
The genus name Youngia is given in honor of two British writers: Edward Young (1683-1765) and
Thomas Young (1779-1829).
The species epithet japonica is a new Latin term meaning “of Japan.”

Alabama Distribution:

Youngia japonica map

Photographs taken off Lee Rd 10, Lee County, AL., 3-22-06.