(Perennial herb)
General Description: At
flowering this plant can be 4-8ft (1-2.5m) tall. The toothed, opposite
leaves are rough above, and smooth beneath with a whitish tinge.
Leaf bases are rounded to tapering to a petiole that is usually more than 1/2in
(10mm) long. Leaf size is about 4-10in (10-25cm) long and 1-3in (3-8cm)
wide with a lance shape. Heads of flowers appear from July-Sept. and are
usually 2-3in (5-8cm) wide with yellow disc and ray flowers. Rays are
rounded at their tips and ˝-1 1/2in (2-4cm) long. Unlike commercial sunflower
“seeds,” the fruits are smaller and a solid brown.
General Habitat: Mixed deciduous woods.
B. Eugene Wofford, Tennessee Vascular Plants Atlas
