Heterotheca subaxillaris

Camphorweed

Heterotheca subaxillaris, commonly known as Goldenbush, is a resilient perennial herb native to North America. Renowned for its vibrant yellow blooms, this plant holds significant ethnobotanical value. Traditionally used in folk medicine, its chemical constituents offer potential therapeutic benefits, particularly for treating skin inflammations and supporting digestive health.

  • Scientific name: Heterotheca subaxillaris
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. Finally, it is identified by its genus, Heterotheca.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asterales WCVP
Family Asteraceae WCVP
Genus Heterotheca WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Heterotheca subaxillaris, is recognized by several different common names depending on the language and region. In English, it is frequently referred to as camphorweed, telegraph weed, or golden-aster, while in Spanish, it is commonly called árnica. In Hebrew, the plant is known as טיונית החולות.
Language Common Name Source
he טיונית החולות Wikidata
en camphorweed Wikidata
en telegraph weed Wikidata
en golden-aster Wikidata
es árnica Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution that spans across multiple continents. In Western Asia, it can be found growing in Cyprus and Palestine. Moving to North America, its presence extends into the Northwestern United States, specifically within Colorado. The species also inhabits the North-Central United States, with documented occurrences in Illinois. Additionally, it is known to grow within the state of Iowa.

Region Area Source
Western Asia Cyprus WCVP
Western Asia Palestine WCVP
Northwestern U.S.A. Colorado WCVP
North-Central U.S.A. Illinois WCVP
North-Central U.S.A. Iowa WCVP
North-Central U.S.A. Kansas WCVP
North-Central U.S.A. Missouri WCVP
North-Central U.S.A. Nebraska WCVP
North-Central U.S.A. Oklahoma WCVP
Northeastern U.S.A. Connecticut WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Heterotheca subaxillaris, possesses distinct morphological and chemical characteristics that contribute to its medicinal profile. The leaf is a primary feature of the plant, typically characterized by its shape and arrangement along the stem, serving as a key component in various traditional applications. Furthermore, the plant is known to contain essential oils, which are concentrated volatile compounds that provide its unique aromatic properties and play a significant role in its therapeutic potential.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆
essential oils 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Heterotheca subaxillaris has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include fatty acid esters, terpenoids.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
fatty acid esters 1 ★☆☆☆☆
terpenoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Heterotheca subaxillaris has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus.

Total uses
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Bacillus cereus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Escherichia coli 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Staphylococcus aureus 1 ★☆☆☆☆