Our mystery seeds last week resembled miniature marigold seeds, and in fact one of the common names for the group is fetid marigold. Other common names are fiveneedle pricklyleaf or dogweed. The scientific name is Thymophylla pentachaeta.

The plants have dainty yellow flowers that resemble daisies.

The leaves resemble tiny pine needles, hence the common name fiveneedle pricklyleaf. The leaves also have glands in them that produce a strong odor, thus the nickname “fetid.”

These are native desert plants and grow well in landscapes.

Firefly Forest has more information about this tiny plant.