Camphor Weed, Heterotheca subaxillaries

Another prime indicator that Fall is around the corner is Camphor Weed, Heterotheca subaxillaries.  It starts blooming yellow flowers in August and continues to produce new blooms through October in the Gainesville area.  You can still find some new blooms in November but you will find that most of the plant is producing seed. The flowers are small but they are numerous creating a big splash of color to the roadside,

 Camphor Weed is often found in pinelands, on sandy roadsides, and in disturbed areas throughout Florida and in much of the United States. It's leaves have a rough texture when touched and may leave your hand feeling a little sticky due to glands on their leaf's surface. When the leaf is crushed it emits an odor similar to camphor hence the plant's common name. The leaves also have a very interesting shape and attachment to the stem. The margins are wavy and they attach by clasping to the stem. 

Many species benefit from and are attracted to this plant. While I was photographing this particular specimen I was amazed at how much was going on in the 3 foot canopy of this roadside plant.

Moths come to get nectar.

As well as butterflies.

Spiders come to hunt, as they are opportunists. 

This spider's color completely blends in with the plant's foliage. 

This baby dragonfly didn't make it. 

I read that birds will come and eat the seeds of this plant but I have not witnessed that myself. The seed is an achene. It is found in the white puffy ball pictured above. One flower will produce many seeds. Below are some seeds germinating from seed I collected.