Dittrichia graveolens

Dittrichia graveolens_stinkwort_flower and fruit_JM DiTomaso
Photo: Joseph DiTomaso

Synonyms: Inula graveolens, Erigeron graveolens, Cupularia graveolens

Common names: stinkwort; stinkweed; Khaki weed;

Dittrichia graveolens (stinkwort) is a fall-flowering, sticky aromatic annual (family Asteraceae) that is native to southern Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia.  It was first recorded in California in 1984 and has rapidly spread across many parts of the state since its introduction. Stinkwort has glandular-haired leaves and stems and grows to a height of up to 0.2 – 1m; its flowers are clustered in small, yellow, flower heads.  Its leaves are simple, lanceolate to linear-shaped and have an unpleasant odor. Stinkwort favors disturbed areas and can be easily dispersed both because it is a prolific seed producer and because minute barbs on the pappus of its propagules aid in dispersal. It is unpalatable to livestock, severely impacts rangelands, and can outcompete native vegetation.

Cal-IPC Rating: Moderate — Alert?

CDFA Rating: -*?

Assessment(s)

Plant Assessment Form - Information gathered by Cal-IPC on the impacts, rate of spread, and distribution of invasive plants in California. Does not include management information.

Species ID Card

Invasive Species ID Card - To support field identification of early detection species, Cal-IPC has designed a set of Species ID cards that can be downloaded, printed double-sided, and trimmed to size.

Weed Management Notes

  • Management Notes - Information on management techniques and effectiveness from the University of California Cooperative Extension’s Weed Research & Information Center.

Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles

Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations

Presentations are linked where available. Where a presentation is not available, find more information by reading the abstract in the Cal-IPC Symposia Archive.

Other Dittrichia graveolens Information

  • CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.
  • Calflora - Distribution map and records of this species in California.
  • CalWeedMapper - Distribution map of this species in California with ability to determine regional priorities.
  • EDDMapS - Distribution of this species in North America.
  • Jepson Interchange - Information on this plant's taxonomy, biology, and distribution from UC Berkeley's Jepson Herbarium.
  • USDA PLANTS Database - Information on identification and distribution, with links to websites in individual states.
  • Additional photos

    Dittrichia graveolens_flower heads_copyright 2014_NealKramer
    Dittrichia graveolens (stinkwort) flower heads. Photo: &#169 2014 Neal Kramer
    Dittrichia graveolens_growth habit (dead plant)_copyright 2019_NealKramer
    Dittrichia graveolens (stinkwort) growth habit (dead plant). Photo: &#169 2019 Neal Kramer
    Dittrichia graveolens_young plant_copyright 2015_NealKramer
    Dittrichia graveolens (stinkwort) young plant. Photo: &#169 2015 Neal Kramer