Description:
Originating in Mexico, Crofton Weed is an aggressive erect many-stemmed perennial shrub to 1-3m tall. Distinguished by long upright purplish woody stems covered with short reddish hairs. The long triangular leaves are opposite and have serrated edges and long stems. Roots have a carrot-like smell when cut. Normally occurs in steep well drained land with little or no frosting.

White tubular florets occur as clusters in dense terminal heads, produced in early spring.

Brown to black angular 1.5 - 2 mm long with a parachute-like plume at top of white hairs about 4mm long

Dispersal:
Seed is spread by water, wind, and dumping. Also in mud carried by humans, animals and machinery.

Impact on Bushland:
Crofton Weed grows well in sun or shade. It is usually found in damp areas, along creeks or in places where natural drainage has been altered, such as roadsides, along tracks and at outflow points of stormwater drains.

Control:

Similar Species:
Crofton is closely related to Mist Flower (Ageratina riparia), a serious weed in creeklines, and Blue Billy Goat Weed. Both are serious pasture weeds

Suggested Alternatives: