Comments

Prairie Sunflower can be variable in appearance. With respect to the flowers, the disk florets are usually reddish brown (maroon), however sometimes they are yellow in appearance; there are usually 10-15 ray florets, but sometimes as many as 25. Similarly, the leaves are often 1' across or less, but sometimes wider. These variations may be the result of hybridization, or the existence of subspecies that remain to be identified. This sunflower species can be distinguished from others by the rough texture of its leaves and stems, the short stout petioles, and the lanceolate shape of its leaves. In addition, the floral bracts (phyllaries) are triangular in shape and more wide than those of most other sunflowers. Prairie Sunflower is more xerophytic than many other sunflowers in Illinois, favoring dry upland areas in full sunlight. Another scientific name for this plant is Helianthus rigidus, but it is considered obsolete. Return