Helianthus salicifolius

Perennials, 150–250+ cm (rhizomatous). Stems (green or purplish) erect, glabrous (glaucous). Leaves cauline; alternate; sessile or subsessile; blades linear to lance-linear, 8–21 × 0.2–1.2 cm, bases ± attenuate, margins slightly serrulate to subentire (flat), abaxial faces glabrate, gland-dotted. Heads 6–15+. Peduncles 2–6 cm. Involucres campanulate, 10–18 mm diam. Phyllaries 40–50, linear to lance-linear, 12–20 × 1.8–2 mm, (margins ciliate) apices long-attenuate, abaxial faces glabrous or glabrate, not gland-dotted. Paleae 8–10 mm, entire or weakly 3-toothed (apices greenish, ± hirsute). Ray florets 10–20; laminae 28–35 mm (apices often bifid). Disc florets 50+; corollas 5.5–6 mm, lobes reddish; anthers dark, appendages dark (style branches yellow). Cypselae 4–6 mm, glabrous; pappi of 2 aristate scales 3–3.6 mm plus 2–8 lacerate scales 0.3–0.5 mm. 2n = 34.

Phenology: Flowering late summer–fall.
Habitat: Limestone prairies
Elevation: 100–300 m

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

Kans., Mo., Nebr., Okla., Tex.

Discussion

Helianthus salicifolius is found chiefly in the region of the Ozark Plateau. It is cultivated and may occasionally escape. It was recorded from a single site in Chicago, Illinois, where it has now been extirpated.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.