Species Detail Forb

Flowers - John Kava		Yavapai County Native & Naturalized Plants Parthenium incanum - mariola Plant Form: Forb or Subshrub Family: Asteraceae
Flowers - John Kava


Home	Plant Communities	Plant List	Search Forbs and Subshrubs	Search Grasses	Search Woody Plants	Additional Resources	About this Website

Click on Any Image for a Larger View
Leaf John Kava	Plant - spring John Kava

Forb Plant Description

Origin: Native Life Cycle: Perennial
General Desc: A compact sub-shrub or forb with intricate multi-branches. Contains some rubber compounds. Fragrant.
Identification notes: Only 1 species of Parthenium in Yavapai County. The genus characteristics are heads that eradiate, receptacles paleate; pappi wholly or partially of awns; phyllaries fall together.
Height: 2 feet

Habitat

Habitat Description: Dry gravelly slopes, rocky outcroppings and canyons. Limestone soils and openings in desert scrub.
Plant Communities: Desert Scrub, Interior Chaparral, Semidesert Grasslands, Pinyon Juniper Woodland
Elevation: 2500 - 6000 feet

Flower Characteristics

Color: Pale yellow to yellowish-white Shape: Daisy or dandelion-like in round clusters Tubular: N Flowering Period: Jun - Oct
Description: Inflorescence appears at the terminal ends of leafless stems in clusters 2 to 3 inches across. Flat topped composite heads with tiny ray and disc flowers resemble cauliflower. Flowers are about 1/4 inch wide. Ray flowers less than 1/8 inch long.

Leaf and Stem Characteristics

Leaf Color: Grayish-green Leaf Type: Simple Leaf Shape: Pinnatifid Leaf Margin: Lobed Leaf Attachment: Alternate Leaves Clasp: N
Hairs: Leaves and stems Spines: N
Leaf Description: Pinnately lobed and aromatic. 1 inch long by 1/2 inch wide.

Fruit and Seed Characteristics

Fruit Type: Achene


	Arizona Cooperative Extension Yavapai County 840 Rodeo Dr #C Prescott, AZ 86305 (928) 445-6590	Version 8.0 http://cales.arizona.edu/yavapaiplants/SpeciesDetailForb.php Last Updated: Dec 13, 2022 Content Questions/Comments: Email Matt Halldorson Legal Disclaimer