Family: Asteraceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Emilia sonchifolia, commonly known as Flora’s paintbrush or lilac tasselflower, is a small, fast-growing annual herb in the daisy family (Asteraceae). It is native to tropical regions of Asia but has spread widely throughout the tropics and subtropics. The plant typically grows 1–2 feet tall and produces slender stems with soft, lobed leaves and distinctive pink to reddish-purple, brush-like flower heads that resemble tiny paintbrushes. Because of its delicate flowers, it is sometimes noticed in gardens or disturbed areas as a volunteer wildflower. In parts of Asia and other tropical regions, the plant has been used in traditional herbal remedies for minor ailments such as fever, inflammation, or skin conditions.

Risks & Threats
Although Emilia sonchifolia may appear harmless, it is naturalized across multiple Hawaiian Islands and possesses traits that are cause for concern. This species reproduces quickly, producing abundant wind-dispersed seeds that allow it to spread rapidly into disturbed sites, roadsides, agricultural lands, and natural areas. Its ability to establish quickly and form dense patches can allow it to compete with native vegetation and other desirable plants. Because tropical island ecosystems like those in Hawaiʻi are particularly vulnerable to invasive plants, species that spread aggressively can contribute to ecological imbalance and habitat degradation. For these reasons, Flora’s paintbrush is considered a high-risk species, and planting or intentionally spreading it is discouraged. Gardeners and land managers are encouraged to choose low-risk or native plant alternatives to help protect Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Lanai, and Hawaii (Hawaiian Islands) and widely naturalized elsewhere
  
• A disturbance-adapted weed of crops, pastures, gardens, roadsides, footpaths, parks, lawns, disturbed sites and waste areas
  
• Other Emilia species are invasive weeds
  
• Host for crop pests and pathogens
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reproduces by numerous wind-dispersed seeds
  
• Hybridizes with other Emilia species
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Annual weed, reaching maturity in <1 year or growing season
  
• In addition to wind, seeds dispersed by machinery, water, vehicles, animals, and in clothing and contaminated agricultural produce
  
• Prolific seed production

Low Risk Traits:

• Although a widespread weed, impacts in agriculture and the natural environment generally minimal or insignificant
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Palatable to livestock and grazing animals
  
• Tolerates light shade, but generally found in full sun (unlikely to invade intact forest)
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Herbicides can provide effective control