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Burnweed (Erechtites)
Erechtites hieraciifolius is an annual herb with alternate, simple leaves, on thick, green stems. The leaves are serrated, and range from unlobed to deeply lobed, with the lobe pattern superficially resembling wild lettuces, which are in the same family but not closely related. When crushed, all parts of the species smell unpleasant. The flower heads are yellow or pink, borne in fall. 
Lifespan
Annual
Key Facts About Burnweed
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Attributes of Burnweed
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Scientific Classification of Burnweed
Distribution of Burnweed
Feedback
Distribution Map of Burnweed
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Burnweed
Feedback
The burnweed genus is a set of diverse, annual flowering plants that are relatively easy to grow, often classified as weeds. Basic care includes exposure to full sunlight or partial shade, with a preference for moist, well-drained soil and a neutral or slightly acidic pH. Burnweed thrive in relatively cool temperatures, making them suitable for temperate climates. Common challenges include leaf diseases, notably powdery mildew, and pest infestations, especially aphids and spider mites. Seasonal considerations predominantly revolve around spring sowing and preparing the ground for the autumn germination period. Consistent monitoring throughout the year helps prevent common problems.
How to Water Burnweed?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Burnweed?
How to Propagate Burnweed?
How to Plant Burnweed?
Exploring the Burnweed Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Tropical burnweed
Erechtites valerianifolius is native to Central and South America and has also become naturalized elsewhere in the world. It is an annual plant that is a member of the daisy family and it produces yellow or purple flowers. In its native range, Erechtites valerianifolius may be used as a vegetable for its high protein, vitamin A, zinc, and iron content.
Coastal burnweed
Erechtites minimus is native to Australia and New Zealand and has been introduced and naturalized in parts of the American Pacific Northwest. Erechtites minimus flowers in summer and early fall and each plant can produce up to 200 flower heads that are yellow or purple.
Cotton burnweed
Cotton burnweed is a bushy flowering herb and it is often encountered on rough open terrains such as rock outcrops, riverbeds, and wastelands. From the distance, the entire plant looks attractively silverish. Cotton burnweed is a host plant for the endemic New Zealand Magpie moth (Nyctemera annulata).
Commonwealth weed
Commonwealth weed (Erechtites atkinsoniae) is a flowering plant that is known for its often pungent smell. It can grow 2.5 m tall and blooms during early fall or late summer. The plant is native to New South Wales and Queensland.
American Burnweed
Leaves on american Burnweed are similar in appearance to some varieties of lettuce, except it emits an unpleasant odor. It is often found growing in burned areas, hence the common name for the plant is American Burnweed.
Erechtites wairauensis
Erechtites wairauensis is a New Zealand native plant found in both in the North and South islands. There is very little information on this plant except for a sample held at Allan Herbarium of Landcare Research New Zealand Limited which was collected in 1946 by H. H. Allan. The plant is a member of the fireweed genus of annual or perennial herbs with large taproots.
Erechtites hispidula
Erechtites hispidula is a robust, weedy herb with a fuzzy stem and a height that can reach up to 2 meters. Its leaves are lance-shaped and toothed, while the small, whitish flowers cluster in loose, elongated bunches. Common in disturbed sites, erechtites hispidula thrives in open areas, where its rapid growth helps colonize bare ground. Its prolific seed production ensures persistence in its ecosystem.
Erechtites scaberula
Erechtites scaberula is a perennial herb found in coastal scrub and at the edges of forests. It is larger and rougher to the touch than the similar Senecio hispidulus A.Rich. Erechtites scaberula is listed as ‘Nationally Critical’ in New Zealand.
All Species of Burnweed
Tropical burnweed
Tropical burnweed
Erechtites valerianifolius is native to Central and South America and has also become naturalized elsewhere in the world. It is an annual plant that is a member of the daisy family and it produces yellow or purple flowers. In its native range, Erechtites valerianifolius may be used as a vegetable for its high protein, vitamin A, zinc, and iron content.
Coastal burnweed
Coastal burnweed
Erechtites minimus is native to Australia and New Zealand and has been introduced and naturalized in parts of the American Pacific Northwest. Erechtites minimus flowers in summer and early fall and each plant can produce up to 200 flower heads that are yellow or purple.
Cotton burnweed
Cotton burnweed
Cotton burnweed is a bushy flowering herb and it is often encountered on rough open terrains such as rock outcrops, riverbeds, and wastelands. From the distance, the entire plant looks attractively silverish. Cotton burnweed is a host plant for the endemic New Zealand Magpie moth (Nyctemera annulata).
Commonwealth weed
Commonwealth weed
Commonwealth weed (Erechtites atkinsoniae) is a flowering plant that is known for its often pungent smell. It can grow 2.5 m tall and blooms during early fall or late summer. The plant is native to New South Wales and Queensland.
American Burnweed
American Burnweed
Leaves on american Burnweed are similar in appearance to some varieties of lettuce, except it emits an unpleasant odor. It is often found growing in burned areas, hence the common name for the plant is American Burnweed.
Erechtites wairauensis
Erechtites wairauensis
Erechtites wairauensis is a New Zealand native plant found in both in the North and South islands. There is very little information on this plant except for a sample held at Allan Herbarium of Landcare Research New Zealand Limited which was collected in 1946 by H. H. Allan. The plant is a member of the fireweed genus of annual or perennial herbs with large taproots.
Erechtites hispidula
Erechtites hispidula
Erechtites hispidula is a robust, weedy herb with a fuzzy stem and a height that can reach up to 2 meters. Its leaves are lance-shaped and toothed, while the small, whitish flowers cluster in loose, elongated bunches. Common in disturbed sites, erechtites hispidula thrives in open areas, where its rapid growth helps colonize bare ground. Its prolific seed production ensures persistence in its ecosystem.
Erechtites scaberula
Erechtites scaberula
Erechtites scaberula is a perennial herb found in coastal scrub and at the edges of forests. It is larger and rougher to the touch than the similar Senecio hispidulus A.Rich. Erechtites scaberula is listed as ‘Nationally Critical’ in New Zealand.
Erechtites sonchoides
Erechtites sonchoides
Erechtites sonchoides is a versatile, fast-growing weed often found in temperate regions. Typically characterized by its tall, erect stature, erechtites sonchoides boasts elongated green leaves with serrated edges, and a stem that can develop a reddish hue. In late summer, it blooms with small, inconspicuous white flowers clustered in loose, elongated inflorescences. This hardy plant thrives in disturbed soils, showcasing its resilience in a variety of environments.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Burnweed
Erechtites
Erechtites hieraciifolius is an annual herb with alternate, simple leaves, on thick, green stems. The leaves are serrated, and range from unlobed to deeply lobed, with the lobe pattern superficially resembling wild lettuces, which are in the same family but not closely related. When crushed, all parts of the species smell unpleasant. The flower heads are yellow or pink, borne in fall.
Lifespan
Annual
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Key Facts About Burnweed
Feedback
Attributes of Burnweed
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Scientific Classification of Burnweed
Distribution of Burnweed
Feedback
Distribution Map of Burnweed
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Burnweed
Feedback
The burnweed genus is a set of diverse, annual flowering plants that are relatively easy to grow, often classified as weeds. Basic care includes exposure to full sunlight or partial shade, with a preference for moist, well-drained soil and a neutral or slightly acidic pH. Burnweed thrive in relatively cool temperatures, making them suitable for temperate climates. Common challenges include leaf diseases, notably powdery mildew, and pest infestations, especially aphids and spider mites. Seasonal considerations predominantly revolve around spring sowing and preparing the ground for the autumn germination period. Consistent monitoring throughout the year helps prevent common problems.
How to Water Burnweed?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Burnweed?
How to Propagate Burnweed?
How to Plant Burnweed?
Exploring the Burnweed Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Tropical burnweed
Erechtites valerianifolius is native to Central and South America and has also become naturalized elsewhere in the world. It is an annual plant that is a member of the daisy family and it produces yellow or purple flowers. In its native range, Erechtites valerianifolius may be used as a vegetable for its high protein, vitamin A, zinc, and iron content.
Coastal burnweed
Erechtites minimus is native to Australia and New Zealand and has been introduced and naturalized in parts of the American Pacific Northwest. Erechtites minimus flowers in summer and early fall and each plant can produce up to 200 flower heads that are yellow or purple.
Cotton burnweed
Cotton burnweed is a bushy flowering herb and it is often encountered on rough open terrains such as rock outcrops, riverbeds, and wastelands. From the distance, the entire plant looks attractively silverish. Cotton burnweed is a host plant for the endemic New Zealand Magpie moth (Nyctemera annulata).
Commonwealth weed
Commonwealth weed (Erechtites atkinsoniae) is a flowering plant that is known for its often pungent smell. It can grow 2.5 m tall and blooms during early fall or late summer. The plant is native to New South Wales and Queensland.
Show More Species
All Species of Burnweed
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
