Billygoat-weed

Description:

Ageratum conyzoides is an erect, branching, soft, slightly aromatic, annual herb with shallow, fibrous roots. It grows to approximately 1 m in height. The stems and leaves are covered with fine white hairs; the leaves are egg-shaped with broad end at base (ovate) up to 7.5 cm long. The flowers are purple, blue, pinkish or white, less than 6 mm across, with around 30 to 50 flowers and arranged in close terminal flower-heads. The fruits are small brown one-seeded achenes fruits.

Habitat:

Ageratum conyzoides commonly grows in the proximity of habitation, thrives in any garden and agricultural soils and is very common in disturbed sites and degraded areas. It invades forest, woodland, grassland, cultivated land, riparian zones (banks of watercourses), wetlands and coastal dunes. A. conyzoides is an important weed of plantation crops and overgrazed pastures.