stinknet (Oncosiphon pilulifer) observed in Red Rock Canyon State Park, Inyokern, CA, US
iNaturalist: shell-well
Invasive Species
Stinknet is aggressively invading California's desert parks and wild spaces — the same places you might hike this spring — crowding out native wildflowers and increasing wildfire risk with its dense, flammable mats.
Stinknet is a small yellow-flowered weed originally from South Africa that has been spreading rapidly across Southern California's deserts. It gets its name from the strong, unpleasant smell it gives off when you brush against it. Finding it in a state park is a warning sign that it's moving into protected lands where it can outcompete the native desert plants that belong there.
Key Findings
A confirmed, research-grade occurrence of stinknet (Oncosiphon pilulifer) was documented inside the boundaries of Red Rock Canyon State Park, a protected area.
The sighting is located near Inyokern, CA, extending the known range of this invasive species further into the Mojave Desert region.
The observation achieved 'research-grade' status on iNaturalist, meaning it was verified by multiple expert identifiers, making it a reliable data point for invasion tracking.
chevron_right Technical Summary
A research-grade observation of stinknet, an invasive annual daisy from South Africa, has been recorded at Red Rock Canyon State Park in California's Mojave Desert region. This sighting documents the weed's continued spread into protected natural areas in the southwestern United States.
Abstract Preview
Research-grade observation of stinknet in Red Rock Canyon State Park, Inyokern, CA, US.
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Species Mentioned
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Oncosiphon pilulifer, also known as globe chamomile and stinknet, is a flowering plant in the daisy family (Asteraceae) native to South Africa and Lesotho. It is considered invasive in some parts of North America.