Family - Asteraceae

Stems - No info. yet.

A glabrous stem.

Leaves - No info. yet.

Inflorescence - No info. yet.

Involucre -No info. yet.

Involucre.

Ray flowers - No info. yet.

Disk flowers - No info. yet.

Flower head with slightly larger disk.

Flowering - July - October.

Habitat - Rocky or dry open woods, thickets, prairies, roadsides, railroads.

Origin - Native to U.S.

Other info. - This species can be found throughout Missouri and is very common. The plant is variable in the amount of pubescence on its stems and leaves which leads to difficulty when trying to make a proper identification. There are many species of Helianthus which are very similar in appearance and the question of taxonomy is a difficult one. Outside of Missouri these species seem to be slightly more distinct, but in this state, especially in the Ozark region, the plants are very similar. Three species, H. hirsutus, H. strumosus L., and H. divaricatus L. are all very similar and probably not distinct from one another. More work on the subject is needed in Missouri before any conclusions can be made.

Photographs taken in the Peck Ranch Wildlife Refuge, Carter County, MO., 7-12-03, and off Hwy 60, Carter County, MO., 7-19-03.