Overview of the Compositae Family
The Compositae family, also known as Asteraceae, is a large and diverse group of flowering plants that includes over 23,000 species. This family is widespread throughout the world, with a few notable exceptions in Antarctica and the oceans. The name of the family is derived from the Latin term “compositus,” which means “composite,” referring to the inflorescence structure.
Taxonomy and Classification
The Compositae family is placed in the order Asterales, which includes eight other families of flowering plants. This order belongs to the class Magnoliopsida, also known as the dicotyledons. The Compositae family is further divided into 1,600 genera, which are classified into three subfamilies. These are Asteroideae, Cichorioideae, and Carduoideae, and each subfamily has distinct morphological and anatomical characteristics.
Unique Characteristics
The Compositae family is known for several unique characteristics that distinguish it from other families. One of these is the inflorescence structure, which is composed of numerous flowers arranged in a compact head or capitulum. This structure can be seen in daisies, sunflowers, and asters, among others. The flowers in the head are not individually conspicuous but appear as a single structure. Each head is supported by a series of bracts, which may be arranged in one or more layers and provide additional support to the inflorescence.
Another unique characteristic of the Compositae family is the presence of a specialized structure called the pappus, which is often seen on the achenes or fruits of the plant. The pappus may be feathery, bristly, or scaly, and it aids in seed distribution by helping the fruits to disperse through wind or other means. This structure can be seen in dandelions and thistles, among others.
Finally, many species in the Compositae family have unique chemical compounds that are important for medicinal and other purposes. For example, chamomile and feverfew are known for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, while arnica is used for treating bruises and sore muscles.
Distribution of the Compositae Family
The Compositae family, also known as Asteraceae, is one of the largest families of flowering plants, with over 32,000 species. The family is widespread and can be found all over the world, except in Antarctica. It is most diverse in South America, particularly in the Andes and in Mexico. The family also has a significant presence in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The Compositae family is found in a wide variety of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, wetlands, deserts, and forests. Some species are even found in aquatic environments, such as wetlands and rivers.
Habitat of the Compositae Family
Plants from the Compositae family can be found in a variety of natural habitats. Many species are adapted to open, sunny environments such as grasslands, meadows, and savannas. These plants often have deep root systems that allow them to access water and nutrients in dry soils.
Other species are adapted to more shaded habitats, such as forests and woodlands. These species often have broad, flat leaves that capture and store sunlight in low-light environments. Some species are adapted to living in wetlands, where they often have specialized structures, such as hollow stems or air-filled leaves, that help them float on the water's surface.
The Compositae family has evolved many adaptations that allow it to thrive in a wide variety of habitats. For example, some species produce a sticky resin that helps protect them from herbivores and other predators. Others have developed sharp spines or thorns that discourage herbivores from eating them.
The Compositae family also includes many species that are adapted to fire-prone environments, such as prairies and savannas. These species can quickly regenerate after a fire and often have seeds that can survive in the soil for many years before germinating.
General morphology and structure
The Compositae family, also known as the Asteraceae family, is one of the largest and most diverse plant families in the world. It encompasses more than 23,000 species and spans all continents except Antarctica. Plants in this family are characterized by their composite flowers, also known as inflorescences, which are made up of many small florets surrounded by bracts. These bracts are often mistaken for petals and give the inflorescence its distinctive appearance.
The plants in the Compositae family vary greatly in size, from tiny herbs to large trees. They have a wide range of growth habits, from creeping and mat-forming to erect and bushy. However, most members of this family share some common features, such as having opposite leaves that are usually simple and often toothed.
Anatomical features and adaptations
One of the key anatomical features of plants in the Compositae family is their specialized flower structure. Each composite flower is made up of a central disc of small florets and an outer ring of larger florets. The bracts surrounding the florets often have specific patterns that help with identification, such as spines or hairs. This specialized flower structure has evolved to attract pollinators and maximize the potential for successful pollination.
Another adaptation that is common among members of the Compositae family is the presence of latex or other compounds that make the plants unpalatable to herbivores. Some species also have strong aromas or bitter flavors that deter feeding by insects or other animals.
Variations in leaf shapes, flower structures, and other distinctive characteristics
Despite the common features that most members of the Compositae family share, there are also many variations in leaf shapes, flower structures, and other distinguishing characteristics. For example, the leaves of some species, like dandelions, are deeply lobed and resemble teeth, while others, like the sunflower, have broad, flat leaves. Some species have flowers that are almost indistinguishable from one another, with tiny differences in the bracts being the only way to tell them apart. Other species have brightly colored flowers with patterns that are unique and instantly recognizable.
One of the most diverse genera in the Compositae family is the Aster genus, which includes over 600 species. The flowers of this genus are usually blue or purple, and the bracts surrounding the florets are often narrow and pointed. The daisy genus, Bellis, is another notable group within the family, with species that have small, simple flowers with white or pink petals and yellow centers.
Reproductive Strategies of Compositae Plants
The Compositae family is one of the largest and most diverse plant families, consisting of more than 23,000 known species of flowering plants. These plants employ various reproductive strategies depending on their environment, pollinators, and dispersal mechanisms.
Mechanisms of Reproduction
Many Compositae species have both male and female reproductive organs on the same flower, making them hermaphroditic. The flowers, which are actually a group of small flowers, are arranged in a head or capitulum. The capitulum consists of many disk flowers, which are in the center and surrounded by ray flowers or ligules, which are on the outside of the capitulum.
The development of the male and female reproductive organs on different flowers of the same plant species is known as dioecy. This mechanism is observed in some Compositae, including Artemisia tridentata or sagebrush.
Flowering Patterns and Pollination Strategies
Compositae plants display different flowering patterns, depending on the species. Many plants in this family are known for extended blooming periods, which can last up to several weeks or months. This characteristic prolongs the chances of successful pollination.
The most common pollination strategy observed in the Compositae is entomophily, which involves pollination by insects. The flowers of Compositae produce nectar, which attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the flower head. The insects feed on the nectar and collect pollen on their bodies as they move between flowers, facilitating cross-pollination.
Seed Dispersal Methods and Adaptations
The Compositae family exhibits various mechanisms for seed dispersal. Some species utilise wind to disperse their seeds, which have tufts of hair or a pappus that allow them to be carried long distances by the wind. Pappus is a modified calyx that forms a parachute-like structure, which helps the fruit to be transported by the wind.
Other species rely on animals to disperse their seeds. The seeds have hooks or barbs that attach to the fur or feathers of animals that come into contact with them. A good example is Bidens, which produces fruits with barbed awns. These awns form a hook that attaches to the fur of animals for seed dispersal.
In conclusion, Compositae plants employ various reproductive strategies and mechanisms, including unique adaptations to their environment for successful pollination and seed dispersal.
Economic Importance of Compositae Family
The Compositae family, also known as the Asteraceae family, is the largest family of flowering plants, containing over 32,000 species, with a worldwide distribution. This family's economic importance can be attributed to its varied uses in medicine, industry, and culinary. Many of these plants contain compounds with medicinal properties that have been traditionally used by indigenous cultures worldwide. Leaves and flowers of some members of this family are used in traditional medicine to treat conditions such as fever, cold, headaches, and inflammation.
Some plants of this family, such as sunflowers and safflower, are grown for their oil-rich seeds used in the production of cooking oil, biodiesel, and lubricants. Additionally, chamomile and feverfew have industrial applications, such as in the production of cosmetics and insecticides.
The Compositae family also has culinary value as some of these plants, such as artichokes, lettuce, and endive, are consumed as food.
Ecological Importance of Compositae Family
The Compositae family plays multiple ecological roles within ecosystems. For example, many members of this family are prolific pollen and nectar producers and attract a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and flies. The pollen and nectar are crucial food sources for these pollinators, aiding their survival and reproduction. The flowers' abundant seed production also provides critical food resources for wildlife.
This family's root systems have different functions, ranging from retaining moisture and nutrients to stabilizing the soil and protecting it from erosion. Many of the family members have diverse adaptations, enabling them to thrive in various ecosystems such as deserts, wetlands, and forest margins.
Conservation Status of Compositae Family
Unfortunately, many species in the Compositae family are threatened with extinction due to habitat destruction, land-use changes, invasive species, and climate change. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), many of the species within this family are classified as threatened or endangered.
Several ongoing conservation efforts aim to preserve the Compositae family's diversity and ecological significance, such as land-use planning and management, protection of habitat areas, and in-situ and ex-situ genomic conservation. Such efforts can ensure that the species from this family perpetuate the benefits that humans have derived from them economically, culturally, and ecologically.
Featured plants from the Compositae family
More plants from the Compositae family
- Achillea ageratum - Mace; Agerato; Ageraton; Garden Mace; Mace; Mace Yarrow; Maudlin; Sweet Nancy; Sweet Yarrow
- Achillea erba-rotta moschata - Musk Milfoil; Iva; Ivaurt; Misk Civanpercemi; Moschuskraut; Musk Yarrow
- Achillea millefolium - Yarrow; Biranjasif; Cickafarkkoro; Civanpercemi; Common Yarrow; Duizendblad; Gewoon Duizendblad; Milenrama; Plumajillo; Rojmari; Rolleka; Schafgarbe; Staunchweed; Thousand Seal; Tlalquequetzal; Western Yarrow; Yarrow; Yarrow, Plumajillo
- Achillea ptarmica - Sneeze-wort; Aksirikotu; Bottone D'argento; Hierba Estornutatoria; Pearl Yarrow; Pearlwort; Pyrethre Sauvage; Sneezewort Yarrow; Wiesen Bertram; Wilde Bertram
- Achillea santolina
- Achillea sibirica - Siberian Yarrow; Siberian Yarrow
- Acourtia microcephala - Sacapellote
- Actinea acaulis arizonica
- Ageratina altissima - White Snakeroot
- Ageratina aromatica
- Ageratina herbacea - Fragrant Snakeroot
- Ageratina ligustrina
- Ageratina occidentalis - Western Snakeroot
- Ageratina rugosum
- Ageratum conyzoides - Goatweed
- Ageratum houstonianum - Ageratum
- Agoseris aurantiaca - Mountain Dandelion
- Agoseris glauca - Mountain Dandelion
- Ambrosia artemesiifolia - Roman Wormwood
- Ambrosia trifida - Giant Ragweed
- Anacyclus pyrethrum - Mount Atlas Daisy
- Anaphalis margaritacea - Pearly Everlasting
- Antennaria dioica - Catsfoot
- Anthemis arvensis - Corn Chamomile
- Anthemis cotula - Mayweed
- Anthemis tinctoria - Yellow Camomile
- Arctium lappa - Great Burdock
- Arctium minus - Lesser Burdock
- Argyranthemum foeniculaceum
- Arnica angustifolia alpina - Mountain Tobacco
- Arnica cordifolia - Heartleaf Arnica
- Arnica diversifolia
- Arnica fulgens - Hillside Arnica
- Arnica montana - Arnica
- Artemisia abrotanum - Southernwood
- Artemisia annua - Qing Hao
- Artemisia anomala
- Artemisia apiacea
- Artemisia argyi
- Artemisia biennis - Biennial Wormwood
- Artemisia campestris - Field Southernwood
- Artemisia campestris glutinosa
- Artemisia capillaris - Yin Chen Hao
- Artemisia carvifolia
- Artemisia cina - Cina
- Artemisia dracunculoides - Russian Tarragon
- Artemisia dracunculus - Tarragon
- Artemisia feddei
- Artemisia filifolia - Sand Sage
- Artemisia frigida - Fringed Wormwood
- Artemisia glacialis - Glacier Wormwood
- Artemisia gmelinii - Russian Wormwood
- Artemisia indica
- Artemisia iwayomoei
- Artemisia japonica
- Artemisia keiskeana
- Artemisia laciniata
- Artemisia ludoviciana - White Sage
- Artemisia ludoviciana gnaphalodes - White Sage
- Artemisia maritima - Sea Wormwood
- Artemisia mexicana - Mexican White Sagebrush
- Artemisia monophylla
- Artemisia montana
- Artemisia nova - Black Sagebrush
- Artemisia persica
- Artemisia princeps
- Artemisia rubripes
- Artemisia schmidtiana
- Artemisia scoparia
- Artemisia sibirica
- Artemisia sieversiana
- Artemisia stelleriana - Beach Wormwood
- Artemisia stolonifera
- Artemisia sylvatica
- Artemisia tilesii - Wormwood
- Artemisia tridentata - Sage Brush
- Artemisia tripartita - Threetip Sage Brush
- Artemisia wrightii
- Aster cordifolius - Common Blue Wood Aster
- Aster diplostephioides
- Aster fastigiatus
- Aster glehnii
- Aster hauptii
- Aster kantoensis
- Aster koraiensis
- Aster lanceolatus - White Panicle Aster
- Aster macrophyllus - Bigleaf Aster
- Aster novae-angliae - New England Aster
- Aster puniceus - Purplestem Aster
- Aster scaber
- Aster tataricus
- Aster tripolium - Sea Aster
- Aster yomena
- Atractylis gummifera
- Atractylis ovata
- Atractylodes chinensis - Cang Zhu
- Atractylodes japonica
- Atractylodes lancea - Cang Zhu
- Atractylodes macrocephala - Bai Zhu
- Atractylodes ovata - White Atractylodes
- Baccharis halimifolia - Bush Groundsel
- Baccharis patagonica
- Baccharis viminea - Mule's Fat
- Balsamorhiza deltoidea - Deltoid Balsamroot
- Balsamorhiza hookeri - Balsam Root
- Balsamorhiza incana - Hoary Balsamroot
- Balsamorhiza sagittata - Oregon Sunflower
- Bidens aurea
- Bidens bipinnata - Spanish Needles
- Bidens biternata
- Bidens frondosa - Beggar Ticks
- Bidens parviflora
- Bidens pilosa - Beggar's Ticks
- Bidens tripartita - Burr Marigold
- Brachyglottis Dunedin Hybrids
- Brachyglottis greyi
- Brachyglottis laxifolia
- Brachyglottis monroi
- Brachyglottis repanda - Bushman's Toilet Paper
- Brachyglottis rotundifolia
- Cacalia atriplicifolia
- Cacalia auriculata
- Cacalia delphinifolium
- Cacalia farfaraefolia
- Cacalia firma
- Cacalia hastata orientalis
- Cacalia hastata tanakae
- Cacalia kiusiana
- Cacalia nikomontana
- Cacalia peltifolia
- Cacalia pseudo-taimingasa
- Calendula arvensis - Field Marigold
- Calendula officinalis - Pot Marigold
- Carduus cernuus
- Carduus crispus - Welted Thistle
- Carduus nutans - Musk Thistle
- Carlina acanthifolia
- Carlina acaulis - Stemless Carline Thistle
- Carlina vulgaris - Carline Thistle
- Carpesium abrotanoides
- Carpesium divaricatum
- Carpesium glossophyllum
- Carpesium triste
- Carthamnus lanatus - Distaff Thistle
- Carthamnus tinctorius - Safflower
- Cassinia fulvida
- Centaurea acaulis
- Centaurea calcitrapa - Common Star Thistle
- Centaurea chamaerhaponticum
- Centaurea depressa
- Centaurea iberica - Iberian Star Thistle
- Centaurea jacea - Brown Kapweed
- Centaurea melitensis - Maltese Star Thistle
- Centaurea monantha
- Centaurea montana - Mountain Cornflower
- Centaurea nigra - Black Knapweed
- Centaurea raphanina
- Centaurea scabiosa - Greater Knapweed
- Centaurea solstitialis - St. Barnaby's Thistle
- Centipeda minima - Spreading Sneeze Weed
- Chaenactis douglasii - Morning Brides
- Chamaemelum nobile - Camomile
- Chiliotrichum diffusum
- Chondrilla chondrilloides
- Chondrilla juncea - Naked Weed
- Chrysanthemum carinatum - Tricolor Chrysanthemum
- Chrysanthemum coronarium - Chop-suey Greens
- Chrysanthemum coronarium spatiosum - Chop-suey Greens
- Chrysanthemum marshallii
- Chrysanthemum segetum - Corn Marigold
- Chrysothamnus graveolens - Rubber Rabbitbrush
- Chrysothamnus nauseosus - Rubber Rabbitbrush
- Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus - Green Rabbitbrush
- Cicerbita alpina - Blue Sow Thistle
- Cichorium endiva - Endive
- Cirsium acaulon - Stemless Thistle
- Cirsium amplexifolium
- Cirsium arvense - Creeping Thistle
- Cirsium boreale
- Cirsium brevicaule
- Cirsium coreanum
- Cirsium dipsacolepis
- Cirsium eatoni - Eaton's Thistle
- Cirsium eriophorum - Wooly Thistle
- Cirsium foliosum
- Cirsium hookerianum - White Thistle
- Cirsium japonicum - No-azami
- Cirsium japonicum ussuriense
- Cirsium kamtschaticum
- Cirsium laushanense
- Cirsium lineare
- Cirsium maritimum
- Cirsium occidentale - Cobwebby Thistle
- Cirsium oleraceum - Cabbage Thistle
- Cirsium pallidum - Pale Thistle
- Cirsium palustre - Marsh Thistle
- Cirsium purpuratum
- Cirsium schantarense
- Cirsium segetum
- Cirsium serratuloides
- Cirsium spicatum
- Cirsium tanakae
- Cirsium tuberosum - Tuberous Thistle
- Cirsium verutum
- Cirsium virginianum
- Cirsium vulgare - Common Thistle
- Cnicus benedictus - Blessed Thistle
- Conyza canadensis - Canada Fleabane
- Coreopsis auriculata - Tickseed
- Coreopsis calliopsidea
- Coreopsis gigantea
- Coreopsis tinctoria - Coreopsis
- Coreopsis tinctoria atkinsoniana - Coreopsis
- Cosmos bipinnatus - Cosmos
- Cousinia thomsoni
- Crepis bursifolia
- Crepis runcinata
- Crepis sancta
- Crepis vesicaria
- Cymbonotus lawsonianus - Bear's Ear
- Cynara cardunculus - Cardoon
- Cynara scolymus - Globe Artichoke
- Dahlia pinnata - Dahlia
- Dahlia rosea - Dahlia
- Dendranthema boreale
- Dendranthema x grandiflorum - Chrysanthemum
- Dicoria brandegei
- Dittrichia viscosa
- Doronicum falconeri
- Echinacea angustifolia - Echinacea
- Echinacea pallida - Cone Flower
- Echinacea purpurea - Echinacea
- Echinops latifolius
- Echinops setifer
- Eclipta prostrata - Han Lian Cao
- Emilia coccinea - Tassel Flower
- Emilia sonchifolia - Cupid's Shaving Brush
- Encelia farinosa - Brittle Bush
- Erechtites hieraciifolia - American Fireweed
- Ericameria parishii - Heath Goldenrod
- Erigeron acer
- Erigeron affinis
- Erigeron annuus - Annual Fleabane
- Erigeron bulbosa
- Erigeron glaucus - Beach Aster
- Erigeron philadelphicus - Philadelphia Fleabane
- Eupatorium cannabinum - Hemp Agrimony
- Eupatorium capillifolium
- Eupatorium chinense
- Eupatorium chinense simplicifolium
- Eupatorium compositifolium
- Eupatorium fortunei - Pei Lan
- Eupatorium hyssopifolium
- Eupatorium lindleyanum
- Eupatorium perfoliatum - Thoroughwort
- Eupatorium purpureum - Gravel Root
- Fossombronia alaskana Steere & Inoue
- Fossombronia brasiliensis Steph.
- Fossombronia cristula Austin
- Fossombronia foveolata Lindb.
- Fossombronia hispidissima Steph.
- Fossombronia lamellata Steph.
- Fossombronia longiseta (Austin) Austin
- Fossombronia macounii Austin
- Fossombronia Raddi
- Fossombronia texana Lindb.
- Fossombronia wondraczekii (Corda) Dumort.
- Galactites tomentosa
- Galinsoga parviflora - Gallant Soldier
- Gerbera lanuginosa
- Gnaphalium affine
- Gnaphalium hypoleucum
- Gnaphalium indicum
- Gnaphalium japonicum
- Gnaphalium keriense
- Gnaphalium luteoalbum
- Gnaphalium uliginosum - Marsh Cudweed
- Grindelia humilis - Hairy Gumweed
- Grindelia lanceolata - Rosin Weed
- Grindelia robusta - Great Valley Gumweed
- Grindelia squarrosa - Rosin Weed
- Guizotia abyssinica - Niger Seed
- Gundelia tournefortii
- Gutierrezia sarothrae - Broomweed
- Gynura segetum
- Haplopappus nuttallii
- Haplopappus spinulosus
- Helenium amarum - Bitter Sneezeweed
- Helenium autumnale - Sneezeweed
- Helenium hoopesii - Owls Claws
- Helianthus annuus - Sunflower
- Helianthus doronicoides
- Helianthus giganteus - Giant Sunflower
- Helianthus laetiflorus - Showy Sunflower
- Helianthus lenticularis - Wild Sunflower
- Helianthus maximilianii - Maximillian Sunflower
- Helianthus petiolaris - Prairie Sunflower
- Helianthus strumosus - Paleleaf Woodland Sunflower
- Helianthus tuberosus - Jerusalem Artichoke
- Helichrysum apiculatum - Common Everlasting Flower
- Helichrysum arenarium - Everlasting Flower
- Helichrysum orientale
- Helichrysum stoechas
- Hemizonia fascicuata
- Hemizonia luzulifolia
- Heteropappus hispidus
- Hieracium albertinum
- Hieracium umbellatum
- Hieracium venosum - Rattlesnake Weed
- Hololeion krameri
- Hololeion maximowiczii
- Hymenopappus lugens
- Hymenoxys richardsonii - Pingue Hymenoxys
- Hypochoeris apargioides
- Hypochoeris glabra - Smooth Cat's Ear
- Hypochoeris incana
- Hypochoeris maculata - Spotted Hawkweed
- Hypochoeris radicata - Cat's Ear
- Hypochoeris scorzonerae
- Inula britannica - Xuan Fu Hua
- Inula britannica chinensis - Xuan Fu Hua
- Inula cappa
- Inula crithmoides - Golden Samphire
- Inula racemosa
- Inula royleana
- Iva axillaris - Deathweed
- Iva xanthifolia - Giant Sumpweed
- Ixeris dentata
- Ixeris japonica
- Ixeris lanceolata
- Ixeris polycephala
- Ixeris sonchfolia
- Ixeris stolonifera
- Jurinea macrocephala
- Kalimeris incisa
- Kalimeris laureana
- Kalimeris pinnatifida
- Kuhnia eupatorioides
- Lactuca biennis - Tall Blue Lettuce
- Lactuca canadensis - Canada Lettuce
- Lactuca capensis
- Lactuca debilis
- Lactuca formosana
- Lactuca indica - Indian Lettuce
- Lactuca indica dracoglossa
- Lactuca indica laciniata
- Lactuca ludoviciana
- Lactuca perennis - Perennial Lettuce
- Lactuca pulchella - Blue Lettuce
- Lactuca quercina - Wild Lettuce
- Lactuca raddeana
- Lactuca sativa - Lettuce
- Lactuca sativa angustana - Celtuce
- Lactuca sativa capitata - Cabbage Lettuce
- Lactuca sativa crispa - Cutting Lettuce
- Lactuca sativa longifolia - Cos Lettuce
- Lactuca serriola - Wild Lettuce
- Lactuca sibirica
- Lactuca triangulata
- Lactuca virosa - Wild Lettuce
- Lapsana apogonoides
- Lapsana communis - Nipplewort
- Lapsana humilis
- Lasthenia glabrata - Yellowray Goldfields
- Layia glandulosa - Whitedaisy Tidytips
- Layia platyglossa - Coastal Tidytips
- Leibnitzia anandria
- Leontodon hispidus - Rough Hawkbit
- Leontopodium discolor
- Leuzea rhapontica
- Liatris chapmanii - Chapman's Blazing Star
- Liatris punctata - Snakeroot
- Liatris scariosa - Devil's Bite
- Liatris spicata - Gayfeather
- Liatris squarrosa
- Ligularia amplexicaulis
- Ligularia hiberniflorum
- Ligularia hodgsonii
- Ligularia intermedia
- Ligularia japonica
- Ligularia sibirica
- Lygodesmia grandiflora - Skeleton Plant
- Lygodesmia juncea - Skeleton Weed
- Madia densifolia - Showy Tarweed
- Madia dissitiflora - Grassy Tarweed
- Madia elegans - Common Madia
- Madia glomerata - Mountain Tarweed
- Madia sativa - Chile Tarweed
- Matricaria recutita - German Camomile
- Microseris nutans - Yam Daisy
- Microseris procera - Yam Daisy
- Microseris scapigera - Yam Daisy
- Mycelis muralis - Wall Lettuce
- Myriactis wallichii
- Nabalus albus - White Lettuce
- Nabalus serpentarius - Lion's Foot
- Olearia avicenniifolia - Akeake
- Olearia ilicifolia
- Olearia macrodonta
- Olearia paniculata
- Olearia solandri
- Olearia traversii
- Olearia virgata
- Olearia x haastii
- Onopordum acanthium - Scotch Thistle
- Packera aurea - Golden Groundsel
- Parthenium argentatum - Guayule
- Parthenium integrifolium - Wild Quinine
- Petalophyllum Nees & Gottsche ex Lehm.
- Petalophyllum ralfsii (Wilson) Nees & Gottsche ex Lehm.
- Picris echioides - Bristly Ox-tongue
- Picris hieracioides - Hawkweed Ox-tongue
- Pilosella officinarum - Mouse-ear Hawkweed
- Podolepis jaceoides - Copperwire Daisy
- Polymnia edulis - Yacon Strawberry
- Polymnia uvedalia - Bearsfoot
- Prenanthes altissimus - Rattlesnake Root
- Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium - White Balsam
- Ptiloria exigua
- Pulicaria dysenterica - Fleabane
- Pulicaria odora
- Pyrrhopappus carolinianus - Carolina False Dandelion
- Ratibida columnifera - Prairie Coneflower
- Reichardia picroides - French Scorzonera
- Rudbeckia laciniata - Cone Flower
- Santolina chamaecyparissus - Cotton Lavender
- Santolina pinnata neopolitana
- Santolina rosmarinifolia - Holy Flax
- Saussurea affinis
- Saussurea costus - Costus
- Saussurea diamantica
- Saussurea gracilis
- Saussurea graminifolia
- Saussurea grandifolia
- Saussurea lyrata
- Saussurea maximowiczii
- Saussurea obvallata
- Saussurea pulchella
- Saussurea roylei
- Saussurea serrata
- Saussurea serrata amurensis
- Saussurea ussuriensis
- Scolymus grandiflorus
- Scolymus hispanicus - Spanish Salsify
- Scolymus maculatus - Spotted Golden Thistle
- Scorzonera acanthoclada - Teke-saghyz
- Scorzonera albicaulis
- Scorzonera austriaca
- Scorzonera crocifolia
- Scorzonera divaricata
- Scorzonera hispanica - Scorzonera
- Scorzonera hissaricata
- Scorzonera mollis
- Scorzonera mongolica
- Scorzonera papposa
- Scorzonera parviflora
- Scorzonera ptilophora
- Scorzonera racemosa
- Scorzonera schweinfurthii
- Scorzonera tau-saghyz - Tau-saghyz
- Scorzonera tragapogonoides
- Scorzonera tuberosa
- Scorzonera turkestania
- Scorzonera undulata
- Scorzonera undulata deliciosa
- Scorzonera virgata
- Senecio cannabifolius
- Senecio cineraria - Cineraria
- Senecio jacobaea - Ragwort
- Senecio pseudo-arnica - Seaside Ragwort
- Senecio scandens
- Senecio sylvaticus - Mountain Groundsel
- Senecio vulgaris - Groundsel
- Serratula coronata
- Serratula tinctoria - Saw-wort
- Siegesbeckia orientalis pubescens
- Silphium laeve
- Silphium perfoliatum - Cup Plant
- Silybum marianum - Milk Thistle
- Solidago canadensis scabra - Canadian Goldenrod
- Solidago fistulosa
- Solidago gigantea - Giant Goldenrod
- Solidago japonica
- Solidago leavenworthii
- Solidago missouriensis - Prairie Goldenrod
- Solidago nana
- Solidago odora - Sweet Goldenrod
- Solidago radiata
- Solidago rigida - Stiff Goldenrod
- Solidago spathulata - Coast Goldenrod
- Solidago spectabilis - Nevada Goldenrod
- Solidago suaveolens
- Solidago virgaurea - Goldenrod
- Sonchus arvensis - Field Milk Thistle
- Sonchus asper - Prickly Sow Thistle
- Sonchus brachyotus
- Sonchus oleraceus - Sow Thistle
- Stephanomeria spinosa - Thorn Skeletonweed
- Stevia rebaudiana - Stevia
- Synurus deltoides
- Synurus excelsus
- Synurus palmatopinnatifidus
- Synurus pungens
- Tagetes filifolia - Irish Lace
- Tagetes lucida - Mexican Tarragon
- Tagetes micrantha
- Tagetes minuta - Muster-john-henry
- Tagetes patula - French Marigold
- Tagetes tenuifolia - Lemon Marigold
- Tanacetum balsamita - Alecost
- Tanacetum cinerariifolium - Dalmation Pellitory
- Tanacetum coccineum - Pyrethrum
- Tanacetum parthenium - Feverfew
- Tanacetum vulgare - Tansy
- Taraxacum albidum
- Taraxacum bessarabicum
- Taraxacum brassicaefolium
- Taraxacum erythropodium
- Taraxacum formosanum
- Taraxacum heterolepis
- Taraxacum hondoense
- Taraxacum hybernum
- Taraxacum japonicum
- Taraxacum kok-saghyz - Rubber Dandelion
- Taraxacum laevigatum - Red-seed Dandelion
- Taraxacum magellanicum
- Taraxacum megalorrhizon
- Taraxacum mongolicum
- Taraxacum obovatum
- Taraxacum officinale - Dandelion
- Taraxacum platycarpum
- Taraxacum pseudo-album
- Taraxacum sinicum
- Taraxacum tibeticum
- Taraxacum variegatum
- Tephroseris integrifolia
- Tephroseris palustris - Marsh Fleawort
- Thelesperma gracile
- Thelesperma megapotanicum - Navajo Tea
- Thelesperma trifidum
- Tragopogon coloratus
- Tragopogon crocifolius
- Tragopogon cupani
- Tragopogon dubius - Yellow Salsify
- Tragopogon gracilis
- Tragopogon hispanica
- Tragopogon porrifolius - Salsify
- Trilisa odoratissima - Vanilla Plant
- Tussilago farfara - Coltsfoot
- Urospermum dalechampii
- Vernonia glauca - Ironweed
- Viguiera multiflora
- Wyethia amplexicaulis - Mulesears Wyethia
- Wyethia angustifolia - California Compass Plant
- Wyethia helianthoides - Sunflower Wyethia
- Wyethia longicaulis - Humboldt Mulesears
- Wyethia mollis - Woolly Wyethia
- Wyethia robusta
- Xanthium commune
- Xanthium spinosum - Spiny Cocklebur
- Xanthium strumarium - Cocklebur
- Youngia chelidoniifolia
- Youngia denticulata
- Youngia japonica