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Photographer: Merel R. Black
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Family Asteraceae
Helianthus grosseserratus M.Martens
saw-tooth sunflower
Helianthus: derived from two Greek words helios, "sun," and anthos, "flower," in reference to the sunflower's supposed tendency to always turn toward the sun
grosseserratus: grossus for "thick;" serratus for "saw like, serrated, saw toothed"
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| Status: | Native |
| Plant: | erect, perennial, 2'-10' tall forb; stems usually smooth below inflorescence, but sometimes with a whitish fuzz |
| Flower: | head 2 1/4" - 4 1/2" wide, 10-20 yellow rays, spreading bracts (phyllaries) longer than the yellow disk; inflorescence in large, loose clusters with many heads on stalks more than 4" long; blooms July-Oct. |
| Leaf: | opposite along the lower stem, center and upper alternate; lance-like, usually with sharp teeth, upper surface slightly rough, lower surface with short whitish hairs, often folded upward along the midrib, stalk usually winged  |
| Habitat: | full sun; wet to moderate moisture; prairies, marshes; in sandy, loamy soil |
| Notes: | very similar to H. giganteus except for shorter hairs on underside of leaf, and softer upper side. |
| (Glossary) |
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