About Youngia japonica subsp. elstonii (Hochr.) Babc. & Stebbins
This taxon is an annual plant that produces yellow flowers. In tropical regions, it can bloom throughout the entire year, while in temperate regions, it blooms during late spring and early summer. Plant height varies widely, ranging from 10 to 150 cm (4 to 59 inches) depending on growing conditions. Stems are usually solitary and grow erect. Basal leaves are large and pinnately divided. Its fruits are dispersed by wind. Youngia japonica, the parent species of this subspecies, is native to eastern Asia, specifically China and Japan. However, it has spread far beyond its original range, and now occurs as a non-native species nearly worldwide. It can be found in Africa, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. In the United States, it is spreading rapidly, though it is mostly restricted to areas in the Southeast. It grows well in habitats disturbed by human activity, and occurs in locations such as roadsides, cultivated fields, and lawns. In China, it occurs in a wide range of both natural and disturbed habitats. In the United States, it is known to be an invasive species that can penetrate intact natural communities.
