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Eupatorium capillifolium Waldst. & Kit.
| Family Name: | Asteraceae (Compositae) |
| Common Name: | Dogfennel |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Shrubby |
| Maximum Height | 0.4 m to 0.9 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | North America |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Disturbed Area / Open Ground) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Mediterranean, Desert / Arid |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Stems | Multiple or branched distally. Covered with soft hair throughout. |
|---|---|
| Flowers | Heads in dense, paniculiform array. |
| Similar | This species looks similar to Dill (Anethum graveolens). Unlike Dill, Eupatorium capillifolium contains toxic alkaloids which may damage liver function. This species is also similar to Artemisia scoparia but A. scoparia's flowers are short, ball-shaped and yellowy-green. E.capillifolium's flowers are feathery and white. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Fragrant (Flowers, Foliage) (Time Independent) |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Container Planting, General, Flowerbed / Border |
| Thematic Landscaping | Fragrant / Aromatherapy Garden, Naturalistic Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Toxic Upon Ingestion |
| Plant & Rootzone Preference or Tolerance Remarks | Plants live longer, are more hardy and more aromatic when grown in inferile, dry soil. |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade, [Remarks] (Plants are drought-tolerant.) |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Little Water, [Remarks] (Plants are drought-tolerant.) |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils, Poor Infertile Soils, Easy to Grow, Disease / Pest Resistant, Drought Tolerant |
| Maintenance Requirements | Moderate |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Hairy / Hirsute, Thin |
| Foliar Modification | Reduced / Needle-like |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Linear) |
| Typical Foliar Area | Microphyll ( 2.25cm2 - 20.25 cm2 ) |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Stem Type & Modification | Herbaceous |
|---|---|
| Root Type | Underground (Fibrous Root) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Cream / Off-White, White |
|---|---|
| Inflorescence Type | Head / Capitulum |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Brown |
|---|---|
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type | Indehiscent Dry Fruit , Cypsela |
| Seed Description | Seeds are surrounded with hairs. |
| Seed Quantity Per Fruit | Numerous (>20) |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 392 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 1688 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
