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Verbesina longifolia - longleaf crownbeard

Scientific Family
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Actinomeris longifolia
Other common names
longleaf crownbeard
crownbeard
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
To 60 inches
Riparian
No
Narrow leaves; stems erect, the internodes not winged; flower heads yellow, yellow disc and ray flowers present.
Leaves narrow to lance-like, up to 9 inches long with serrated margins and strongly veined undersides, all or mostly opposite; flowers single or in clusters of 3 to 5+, ray and disc flowers are yellow.

Habitat

Rocky slopes.
Plant Community
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Montane Conifer Forest
Interior Chaparral
Grasslands
Low elevation
4500
High elevation
8000

Flower Characteristics

Flower heads have 12 to 13 yellow ray flowers, 60 to 100 or more yellow disc flowers; base that holds flowers rounded to bell-shaped or saucer-like, phyllaries (bracts) in 2 to 3 series; thin bracts partly cover the achenes.
Flower color
Yellow
Flower shape
Daisy or dandelion-like
Tubular
No
First bloom month
September
Last bloom month
October
Flower clusters
Rounded

Leaf and Stem Characteristics

Leaves strongly veined beneath, mostly opposite, towards tip of stems can be alternate; blades lance-like to narrow; bases rounded, tips pointed, faces can be bumpy and coarse; margins obscurely toothed to mostly smooth.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaf attachment
Opposite
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No

Fruit and Seed Characteristics

Achenes lance-like, narrow, flat, 1/4 to 1/2 inch long. Awns on top of achenes none or rudimentary.
Fruit type
Achene
Fruit color
Dark brown to black