Verbesina helianthoides Michx.

Sunflower Crownbeard; Ozark Crownbeard; Gravelweed

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Sunflower Crownbeard is a native herbaceous perennial in the Sunflower family (Asteraceae). It is found primarily in the northwestern quarter of the state. Sunflower Crownbeard occurs in open woods, on forest edges, on roadsides, in prairies, and around rock outcrops. It is a perennial from erect or horizontal rhizomes. The stems are erect, 2-3 feet in height, unbranched, winged, pubescent, and green in color. Leaves are alternate, lance-ovate to lanceolate in outline, cuneate at the base, pubescent on both surfaces, and with toothed margins. Flower are produced in heads. The heads are arranged in corymbs. Each head has 8-13 yellow ray flowers and 40-80 yellow disc flowers. The fruit is a dark brown to black achene. Sunflower Crownbeard is sometimes available from nurseries that specialize in native or prairie plants. It prefers full sun and is drought tolerant once established. Sunflower Crownbeard is a larval food plant for the Silvery Checkerspot Butterfly (Chlosyne nycteis).—A. Diamond

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Native

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