Green lacewing sitting atop a Parthenium hysterophorus flower
Santa Maria Feverfew, Congress Weed, Whitetop Weed, Wild Cauliflower and Ragweed Parthenium are a few of it’s common names. It’s developed resistance to some herbicides. It’s been spreading it’s range around the world with the help of humans and is considered a noxious invasive weed in many parts. In parts of India, Australia and Africa it’s considered one of their worst weeds.
It’s pollen is an allergen and there are many mentions of it being a problem for hay-fever sufferers. The plant can cause dermatitis. I haven’t noticed anything from handling it and I’ve read the same from others. It is considered toxic to livestock.
Lobed Parthenium hysterophorus leaves
Warnings out of the way… this plant seems to be a rockstar among predatory insects. In early November this plant is absolutely buzzing with insects. Hoverflies, green lacewings, a small dragonfly, bees, parasitic wasps… there must have been 20-30 of them zooming all around it sipping nectar from the tiny white flowers. I see the same hover flies hunting in the tomatoes. The lacewings are laying eggs all over the yard.
I’ve been searching for a tough native perennial with small white flowers that bloomed around fall planting time. The Aster family, which this is a part of, is well known for containing a number of excellent insectary plants. Many of the small nectar seeking predators are drawn to white flowers. The flowers being small make the nectar easily available to them. This plant has survived the drought and record setting temperatures of central Texas 2011.
Parthenium hysterophorus isn’t a perennial, but if it’s as invasive as made out to be it shouldn’t have much trouble reseeding itself. I surely didn’t plant the original. I think I already see seedlings coming up around the yard. I won’t let it into the middle of the garden but I’m content to let it do it’s thing on the perimeter. We shall see if it’s friend or foe.
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Parthenium hysterophorus flower up close
While trying to find out it’s name it was often mistaken for Baby’s Breath. At first glance it sure looks like Baby’s Breath but after looking at the flowers up close it’s obviously not.
Parthenium hysterophorus plant
Links:
Dave’s Garden – Parthenium hysterophorus
USDA PLANTS Profile for Parthenium hysterophorus
Hover fly and perhaps a parasitic wasp feeding on Parthenium hysterophorus nectar.
