Yellow Things… Camphorweed (Heterotheca subaxillaris) and Maryland Goldenaster (Chrysopsis mariana)

September 18^th, 2014. Camphorweed is one of the most common wildflowers along the roadside in our area. So I was a little surprised when I noticed another yellow daisy like wildflower; this turned out to be Maryland Goldenaster. 

Camphorweed

Maryland Goldenaster

Camphorweed

Maryland Goldenaster

The flowers look similar.  

 

Camphorweed

Camphorweed

Maryland Goldenaster

The leaves are quite different. The leaves of the Maryland Goldenaster are ovoid and regular in shape. The leaves of Camphorweed are irregular both when young, and older

Older. 

If in doubt, it’s easy to distinguish Camphorweed by crushing a leaf which will release a strong fragrance of camphor.