Dittrichia viscosa, commonly known as False Yellowhead, Sticky Fleabane, Woolly Fleabane, or Woody Fleabane, is a perennial herb native to a variety of habitats in the Mediterranean Basin, including open woodlands, scrub areas, and along riverbanks, as well as disturbed sites such as waste places and roadsides. It is particularly adapted to calcareous soils. This species typically grows rapidly to a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) and a width of 1-1.5 feet (0.3-0.5 meters). It has lance-shaped leaves and its stems are covered with glandular hairs that make them sticky to the touch. The yellow, daisy-like flowers are quite showy and bloom in the summer and fall, attracting various pollinators.

False Yellowhead is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it suitable for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is also used in traditional medicine and has been studied for its anti-inflammatory and other pharmacological properties. In cultivation, it requires full sun and well-drained soils, including clay, loam, or sandy types, and it is very low maintenance, needing minimal water once established. However, Dittrichia viscosa is potentially invasive in some regions outside its native range, and gardeners should check local regulations before planting. It can spread aggressively in suitable conditions, and its sticky seeds are easily dispersed by animals and human activity.CC BY-SA 4.0