Scientific Family
Asteraceae
Other common names
annual sunflower
Kansas sunflower
mirasol
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual
Height
9 feet
Riparian
Yes
Widely branching, stout annual with coarse hairy leaves and stems. The up to 5 inch wide flower heads are heliotropic (move with the sun during the day).
Woody erect annual with rough round stems. Leaves mostly alternate, hairy and oval with long leaf stalks and smooth or toothed edges. Flower heads showy, yellow ray flowers, reddish-brown disc flowers. Bracts hairy on margins. Achenes have 2 awns.
Habitat
Roadsides, fields and flood plains.
Plant Community
Riparian
Disturbed Areas
Low elevation
1000
High elevation
7000
Flower Characteristics
Bright yellow ray flowers with reddish-brown disc centers; to 5 inches wide.
Flower color
Yellow ray, reddish-brown discs
Flower shape
Daisy or dandelion-like
Tubular
No
First bloom month
March
Last bloom month
October
Flower clusters
None
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves are mostly alternate, lower leaves opposite; long petioles, broadly triangular to heart-shaped to 8 inches long; irregularly toothed; stiff haired.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Dull green
Leaf shape
Triangular
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Achenes are topped with 2 awns.
Fruit type
Achene
Fruit color
Brownish gray to black
Seeds are eaten by birds, rodents and humans.