Helianthus petiolaris ssp. fallax
(Prairie Sunflower)
Helianthus petiolaris ssp. fallax, Picture Canyon, Comanche National Grassland, Baca Co. 9813
Helianthus petiolaris ssp. fallax, Great Sand Dunes National Park 8611
Helianthus petiolaris ssp. fallax, Picture Canyon, Comanche National Grassland, Baca Co. 9819
Helianthus petiolaris ssp. fallax, Great Sand Dunes National Park 8624
Helianthus petiolaris ssp. fallax, Great Sand Dunes National Park 8632
Leaves, Helianthus petiolaris ssp. fallax, Great Sand Dunes National Park 8618
Helianthus petiolaris ssp. fallax, Picture Canyon, Comanche National Grassland, Baca Co. 9817
| Scientific Name | Helianthus petiolaris ssp. fallax | USDA PLANTS Symbol | HEPE |
| Common Name | Prairie Sunflower | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 36671 |
| Family | Asteraceae (Sunflower) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description |
Life zones and habitat: Plains to foothills (3300 to 6500 ft.); dry sandy soils in open areas. Plant: Erect annual 1-1/2 to over 6 feet tall, often-branched stem with fine hairs. Leaves: Mostly stem leaves, lanceolate to ovate, 1-1/2 to 6 inches long, petiolate; lower leaves are about twice as wide as long; may be dotted with glands, hairy underneath, small teeth along edges. Inflorescence: Single composite flowers 2 to 3 inches across with 15 to 30 yellow rays and 50 to 100+ reddish disk florets in the center; involucre phyllaries are oblong-lanceolate to lanceolate and relatively narrow compared to ssp. petiolaris; peduncle with leafy bract subtending the head. Bloom Period: June to October. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, Flora of North America and SEINet. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Colorado Status: Native |
© Tom Lebsack 2025
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains
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