Telegraph weed or Heterotheca grandiflora is a flowering plant in the aster family. It is native in California, and we are lucky enough to have it at the dam site. It can also be found along roadsides in disturbed areas, and elsewhere in the forest. It is a tall, bristly plant that can grow up to 40 inches in height. The flower heads are produced in the late summer and fall. The leaves are sticky to the touch, and they smell of camphor. The Chumash Native Americans used the oil from this plant to repel fleas. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
