Family: Asteraceae
saw-tooth sunflower
[Helianthus grosseserratus f. plenifolius M.Martens, more...]
Kitty Kohout
Kitty Kohout
University of Wisconsin - Madison (WIS-VP)
Etymology: Helianthus: derived from two Greek words helios, "sun," and anthos, "flower," in reference to the sunflower's supposed tendency to always turn toward the sun
Plants: erect, perennial, 2'-10' tall forb; stems usually smooth below inflorescence, but sometimes with a whitish fuzz
Leaves: opposite along the lower stem, center and upper alternate; lance-like, usually with sharp teeth, upper surface slightly rough, lower surface with short whitish hairs, often folded upward along the midrib, stalk usually winged
Flowers: head 2 1/4" - 4 1/2" wide, 10-20 yellow rays, spreading bracts (phyllaries) longer than the yellow disk; inflorescence in large, loose clusters with many heads on stalks more than 4" long; blooms July-Oct.
Habitat: full sun; wet to moderate moisture; prairies, marshes; in sandy, loamy soil
Conservation Status: Native
Plants: erect, perennial, 2'-10' tall forb; stems usually smooth below inflorescence, but sometimes with a whitish fuzz
Leaves: opposite along the lower stem, center and upper alternate; lance-like, usually with sharp teeth, upper surface slightly rough, lower surface with short whitish hairs, often folded upward along the midrib, stalk usually winged
Flowers: head 2 1/4" - 4 1/2" wide, 10-20 yellow rays, spreading bracts (phyllaries) longer than the yellow disk; inflorescence in large, loose clusters with many heads on stalks more than 4" long; blooms July-Oct.
Habitat: full sun; wet to moderate moisture; prairies, marshes; in sandy, loamy soil
Conservation Status: Native
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 2, Wetland Indicator = FACW- Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USGS - Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center: Wetland Plants and Plant Communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key
Kitty Kohout
Robert W. Freckmann
Merel R. Black
Hugh H. Iltis
Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson
Emmet J. Judziewicz
Merel R. Black
Merel R. Black
Merel R. Black
