Helianthus petiolaris ssp. petiolaris

(Prairie Sunflower)

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Helianthus petiolaris ssp. petiolaris, Lathrop State Park, Huerfano Co. 7329

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Helianthus petiolaris ssp. petiolaris, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7875

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Helianthus petiolaris ssp. petiolaris, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7817

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Helianthus petiolaris ssp. petiolaris, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7872

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Helianthus petiolaris ssp. petiolaris, Lathrop State Park, Huerfano Co. 7332

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Leaf, upper surface, Helianthus petiolaris ssp. petiolaris, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7873

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Leaf, lower surface, Helianthus petiolaris ssp. petiolaris, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7874

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Helianthus petiolaris ssp. petiolaris, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 0286

Scientific Name Helianthus petiolaris ssp. petiolaris USDA PLANTS Symbol HEPEP
Common Name Prairie Sunflower ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 36672
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Plains to foothills (3900 to 8200 ft.); sunny, dry areas and semi-desert.
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 narrow, more than 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 10 to 20 yellow rays and 50 to 100+ reddish disk florets in the center; involucre phyllaries are oblong-lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate and relatively wide compared to ssp. fallax; peduncle usually has no 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 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains