Common Dogweed (Dyssodia pentachaeta)

Family Asteraceae

Dogweed (also called "Fetid Marigold") is a plant which tends to form a low mound (less than 8" tall). Its leaves are dark green, mostly opposite, with linear lobes and spine-tipped. The flower has bright yellow rays and disks, with bracts which are shiny, triangular, fused, and dotted with orange glands (Niehaus, Ripper & Savage cited on Wildflower page, p. 208). The plant has a bad smell when handled.

(Click on the image below for a closeup of flowers and leaves.)