Nodeweed

Synedrella nodiflora

Its small, yellow flower heads grow directly from the forks of its branches, making them look as if they are hugging the stem nodes.

Scientific name: Synedrella nodiflora
Taxonomy: Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Asterales › Asteraceae › Synedrella
IUCN Red List status: Least Concern
Population trend: increasing
Biome: urban
Habitat: Disturbed areas, roadsides, gardens, waste grounds, and forest margins.
Diet: Autotrophic (photosynthesis)
Range: Tropical America, Southeast Asia, Tropical Africa, Pacific Islands
Size: 10 to 80 cm tall
Lifespan: Under 1 year (annual)
Active: diurnal
Threats: Heavy herbicide use, extreme frost, and intensive land development.
Safe to approach?: Harmless. This common herb is safe to approach and touch. No special precautions are needed, though individuals with Asteraceae allergies should handle with care.

Synedrella is a genus of flowering plants in the sunflower family.

Photo: S.MORE, CC0, via iNaturalist