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Helianthus decapetalus
Common Name of Species: Thin
Leaved Sunflower
Family: Asteraceae
Description: Thin-leaved sunflowers can be identified by the way their broad leaves narrow abruptly into long, winged stalks, or petioles.
Leaves: Leaves are thin, nearly smooth, green on the underside and sharply toothed. Upper leaves can sometimes be alternating. Lower leaves, have ¼ inch stalks that narrow quickly from broad leaf. Lower leaf stalks are also winged.
Flowers: Flowers are 2-3 inches wide, and yellow. Despite the scientific name (Helianthus decapetalus), there are not always exactly ten rays that surround the greenish/yellow disk.
Stem: Stems are generally smooth and straight.
Branching Pattern: Leaves are most commonly opposite, but can be alternate towards the top.
Height: 2-5 feet in height.
Conditions/Habitat: Grow in open woods, dry thickets, and forest margins.
Range: Throughout eastern North America.
References:
Niering, W.A., Olmstead, N.C, & Thieret, J.W. (2001). National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers Eastern Region (Revised Edition). New York: Random House Inc.
Newcomb, Lawrence (1977). Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide. New York: Little, Brown.
McKenny, M. & Peterson R.T. (1996). Peterson Field Guides: Wildflowers Northeastern/ North-central North America. New York: Houghton Mifflin.
USDA, NRCS (2004). Plants Database, Version 3.05 (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874 USA.