About Dittrichia graveolens (L.) Greuter
Dittrichia graveolens, commonly known as stinkwort or stinking fleabane, is a plant species in the sunflower family. It is native to southern Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, reaching as far east as Pakistan. It has become naturalized in California, other parts of Asia, other parts of Africa, Australia, and additional regions, and is considered a noxious weed in some areas. It is classified as an invasive species in California, where it poses a potential threat to local wine production. This plant is a branching subshrub that grows up to 130 centimetres (51 inches) tall, and has an aromatic, camphor-like smell. Its leaves are long and narrow, pointed at both ends, with small teeth along the edges, glandular hairs across the surfaces, and a sticky resin coating. A single plant can produce numerous yellow flower heads, each holding up to 16 ray florets and 40 disc florets. The fluffy-tipped seeds of this species have barbs that aid in seed dispersal, and these barbs can cause fatal damage to the digestive systems of grazing animals. Oils contained in the plant also taint the flavor of meat and milk produced by animals that have eaten the plant. The plant's sticky resin is known to cause allergic reactions and severe dermatitis in humans. For these reasons, it is recommended to wear protective gloves when handling this plant.
