Identification
This native perennial sunflower grows to 6 feet and taller, and is usually found in colonies. The lower leaves are large and deeply cut into lobes (D). The upper leaves are lance-shaped and much smaller (B,C). The flower heads are up to 3 inches across, with bright yellow petal-like ray florets; they point downward from a rounded green cone (A,B). The seed development is shown in image (E).
Common in moist ravines and on floodplain at Fontenelle Forest. Common on floodplain at Neale Woods. Flowering occurs in July and August.
Native Americans used a tea from the roots for indigestion. The spring greens of this plant were a part of their diet as well.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Neal Ratzlaff.