Ageratina Paupercula, Santa Rita Snakeroot

Ageratina paupercula is a small to medium sized, woody shrub that produces relatively large green, petiolate leaves, at opposite intervals along the erect, branched, reddish stems, and clusters of small white composite flowers. Plants bloom quite early in the year, unlike some similar species. Leaves have three lengthwise veins, large teeth along the edges, and are narrowly lanceolate in shape. Flowerheads are typically composed of around 20 to 50 white disc florets, which when mature have five pointed lobes and protruding filaments. Phyllaries are narrow (lanceolate to linear), green, pointed at the tip and covered by short, fine hairs.