Jack In The Bush

Chromolaena odorata

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Chromolaena
Species:
Chromolaena odorata

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Subshrub
Height:
8-12 ft
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
aug, sep, oct
Bloom Colors:
Purple

Native Range

United States: Florida, Guam, Navassa Island, Puerto Rico, Palau, Texas, Virgin Islands

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Gaudy sphinx (Eumorpha labruscae), Rounded Metalmark (Calephelis perditalis)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Butterflies:American Snout (Libytheana carinenta), American Snout (Libytheana carinenta), Dainty Sulphur (Nathalis iole), Dainty Sulphur (Nathalis iole), Marine Blue (Leptotes marina), Marine Blue (Leptotes marina), Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor), Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor), Queen (Danaus gilippus), Queen (Danaus gilippus), Southern Dogface (Zerene cesonia), Southern Dogface (Zerene cesonia)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH:
4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
thrives in disturbed areas and open fields