Rank Species | Genus Erechtites Higher classification Erechtites | |
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Similar Erechtites, Daisy family, Baccharis spicata, Bomarea edulis, Eryngium eburneum | ||
Erechtites hieraciifolius (fireweed, American burnweed, or pilewort) is a plant in the daisy family, Asteraceae. It is native to the Americas, but can be found many places around the world having been introduced by human activity. It is introduced in Hawaii, China, and Southeast Asia.
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Description
Erechtites hieraciifolius is a herbaceous plant 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 more closely related. The flower heads are yellow, borne in fall. The heads are followed by cluster of small, wispy achenes. The plant often branches and grows in a clump with multiple stems.
Ecology
This species benefits from fire, and is often one of the earliest pioneer species of areas that have recently burned, hence some of its common names. It prefers moist sites but can handle gravelly soil and some degree of dry conditions. It also grows well in urban areas and around humans.
The flowers are pollinated primarily by wasps. The seeds are wind-dispersed, and are used as a minor food source by birds.
