Helianthus resinosus Small

Resin Dot Sunflower; Resinous Sunflower

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Resin Dot Sunflower is a native herbaceous perennial in the Sunflower family (Asteraceae). It can be found throughout much of Alabama. Resin Dot Sunflower occurs in pine woodlands, in mixed pine-hardwood forests, on roadside banks, along the edge of forests, and in clear cuts. It is a perennial with a short rhizome. One-several stems up to 8 feet in height are produced from each root crown. The stems are usually purplish in color, erect, unbranched below the inflorescence, and pubescent. The leaves are mostly cauline, petiolate, lanceolate to ovate in outline, with entire or serrate margins. The leaves are pubescent and glandular dotted on the lower surface. The stems and upper leaf surfaces are scabrous. Flowers are produced in heads. Each stem produces 1-5 heads. The phyllaries surpass the discs and are reflexed and resin dotted. Each head has 10-20 yellow ray flowers and 90+ yellow disc flowers. The fruit is an achene. Resin Dot Sunflower is sometimes available in nurseries. It may be sold under the misapplied name Helianthus tomentosus Michaux. Resin Dot Sunflower prefers a well-draining soil in full sun. Plants grown in rich soils may need to be staked to keep them upright. Because of its large size, Resin Dot Sunflower can be planted at the back of beds, along fences, or at the edge of a wood line. I have seen them planted in beds around utility poles. The seed heads can be left through the winter to provide food for birds and small mammals.--A. Diamond

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Native

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