The genus is named for John Brickell, 1748–1809, Irish-born physician and naturalist.[2]
Classification
The genera Brickelliastrum (United States and Mexico), Asanthus (United States and Mexico), Dyscritogyne (Mexico), and Steviopsis have been separated from Brickellia by many 20th century authors (and all four combined into Steviopsis by some). Their correct placement is still debated,[6] but molecular phylogenetic analysis has provided evidence that Brickelliastrum, Asanthus, and Steviopsis (including Dyscritogyne, which is not distinct from Steviopsis) represent distinct lineages, and should be recognized as separate from Brickellia, while [Kuhnia], [Barroetea] and [Phanerostylis] should be treated as synonyms.[7][8]
^Schilling, E. E., et al. (2015). Bricklebush (Brickellia) phylogeny reveals dimensions of the great Asteraceae radiation in Mexico. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. Volume 85, Pages 161–170. [1]