Galinsoga quadriradiata

Haired galinsoga ( Galinsoga ciliata )

The Hairy galinsoga or Hairy French herb ( Galinsoga ciliata ) is a common " weed " from the sunflower family ( Asteraceae). In the English-speaking world the synonym Galinsoga quadriradiata is used mostly.

Features

These are annual herbaceous plants that reach heights of growth of usually around 20 cm. In individual cases, the plants can also be significantly larger.

The opposite leaves are undivided, serrated pretty rough on the edge, and like all the rest of the plant hairs protruding bristly.

The flower heads have a diameter of about 5 mm. The generally four to five white ray florets are about half as long as the diameter of the yellow capitulum, or a little longer. They are about as wide as long and denticulate at the front edge.

Occurrence

The Hairy galinsoga is a typical " weed ". It grows like to loamy, nitrogen-rich areas such as in gardens, to fields with bare soil or on roadsides. It is everywhere common.

Originally the species comes from South America. Today, it is but spread worldwide. In Germany they, or their sister species G. parviflora was introduced during the time of Napoleon from France, where the name comes from the French herb.