This perennial sunflower is native to the south and east of us, but it is sometimes planted in reconstituted prairies elsewhere. It has very hairy stems and shares its common name with another sunflower (H. hirsutus) which is native to eastern Nebraska. The showy, yellow flower, about 2 inches in diameter, is perched on an unbranched stem, which can reach 3 feet in height (A). The hairy, heart-shaped, stalkless, often clasping leaves are opposite on the stem (B). The flower bud is also hairy and globose (C). Identified with the help of Dave Sutherland, Biology Professor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.