Texas Witchery

Carelessweed

Iva xanthiifolia

This herbaceous annual is a common weed throughout the Great Plains, even spreading to Europe, where, due to its easy propagation from seed and its encroachment on agricultural fields, it is considered invasive. It grows especially well in anthropogenically disturbed areas like roadsides and fields, as well as in moist, alkaline soil near streams and ditches. Carelessweed causes major damage to crops, especially sunflower, soybean, and sugar beet crops. 

The Navajo used the crushed leaves of carelessweed as a poultice for boils, used the plant to heal castration incisions made in sheep, and made it into an infusion or decoction to be drunk or used as a lotion for cough or influenza (as well as to provide protection from witches). 

NOTE: This plant’s pollen can be especially irritating to those hypersensitive to pollen from plants in family Asteraceae, such as goldenrod. The leaves of the plant can cause contact dermatitis in some sensitive individuals. Due to its negative agricultural impact, this plant should not be propagated near farms. 

I associate the carelessweed with the Sun, the element Fire, the astrological sign Scorpio, and the goddess Discordia. It provides powerful, active protection against negative intent.