Asteraceae, the daisy, sunflower, or composite family.
Description:
Plant:
Low, compact plant, 2"-12", with highly dissected, pineapple-scented leaves, and yellow-green
cone-shaped flower heads without rays. Annual.
Flowers:
Yellowish-green, cone-shaped heads without rays, 1/4"-3/8" across, growing at the ends of branches.
Leaves:
Alternate, highly dissected into short, linear lobes, to 2" overall, sessile.
Fruit:
Cone-shaped head containing small achenes.
Blooming:
May-September
Habitat:
Infertile waste areas, roadsides
Comments:
This plant is native to East Asia and western North America, but has become naturalized across
the continent.
The leaves have a sweet pineapple-like scent when bruised, hence the common name.
It is in the same genus as chamomile, and the flowers can, like those of chamomile, be dried
and used for tea.
The flowers are also reputedly edible added to salads, though supposedly sometimes bitter.
I have not tried it.
The plant has a history of medicinal use.
Where to find it:
I have found this plant only in the compacted area of ground between the entry road and
the trailhead.