A scrappy native weed is popping up everywhere this week
iNaturalist Community
Native Plants
If you've spotted a tall, ragged-leaved plant colonizing a construction site, burned patch, or neglected garden bed lately, you're not alone: this native species thrives exactly where soil has been disturbed, and it's a useful signal for where land is recovering or being reworked.
American burnweed is a native plant that loves messy, disturbed ground: think construction sites, burned areas, or that corner of your yard you haven't gotten to yet. This week nearly 900 people logged sightings of it on iNaturalist, making it one of the most-observed plants in the country right now. It's a good reminder that some of the most interesting botany happens in the weedy, overlooked spots.
Key Findings
869 research-grade observations of American burnweed were logged on iNaturalist this week
The species ranks among the most-observed plants nationally during this period
American burnweed is a fast-colonizing native species that favors disturbed soil and burned or cleared ground
chevron_right Technical Summary
American burnweed, a fast-growing native weed that pops up in disturbed soil and burned areas, is having a big week on iNaturalist with 869 people logging sightings. The surge shows how citizen scientists track which plants are thriving right now across the country.
Abstract Preview
Original paper
Trending: American burnweed (Erechtites hieraciifolius) — 869 observations this week
American burnweed is among the most observed plant species this week with 869 research-grade observations.
open_in_new Read full abstractAbstract copyright held by the original publisher.
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Erechtites hieraciifolius is a plant in the daisy family, Asteraceae. It is native to the Americas, but is found many places around the world having been introduced by human activity. such as in Hawaii, China, Europe and Southeast Asia.