Narrowleaf Sunflower
Other Common Names: Swamp Sunflower, Narrow-leaved Sunflower Scientific Name: Helianthus angustifolius Native to Alabama: Yes Alternate Native Species: |
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center |
Learn more about…
Ecological Benefits |
This plant provides food for: | |||
Butterflies | Caterpillars Silvery Checkerspot |
Native Bees | Other Birds |
Other Plants Found in Alabama with Similar Ecological Benefits: | ||||||||||
Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) |
Purpledisk Sunflower (Helianthus atrorubens) |
Thinleaf Sunflower (Helianthus decapetalus) |
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Beach Sunflower (Helianthus debilis) |
Woodland Sunflower (Helianthus divaricatus) |
Hairy Sunflower (Helianthus hirsutus) |
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Maximilian Sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani) |
Ashy Sunflower (Helianthus mollis) |
Resindot Sunflower (Helianthus resinosus) |
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Paleleaf Woodland Sunflower (Helianthus strumosus) |
Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) |
Whorled Sunflower (Helianthus verticillatus) |
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Habitat Requirements | |||
This plant prefers: | |||
Full Sun Part Sun/ Shade |
Prefers moist to wet soil at all times |
Sandy, Loamy, Clay, Acidic or Moist Soil |
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Leaf, Flower & Seed Identification | ||||
LEAF DESCRIPTION |
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Robert H. Mohlenbrock Click on image to enlarge it |
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Leaf Characteristics Chart (PDF) | ||||
Shape: Linear |
Margin: Entire/Smooth |
Arrangement: Opposite |
Form: Simple |
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Description: | ||||
Dark green; pointed; ½ inch wide and can be over 8 inch long; opposite near the base, alternate above the middle of the stem; sandpaper-like surface |
FLOWER DESCRIPTION |
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Alan Cressler Click on image to enlarge it |
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Flower Shapes Chart (JPG) | ||||
Color: Yellow |
Shape:
Radiate/Ligulate |
Bloom Months: Oct |
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Description: | ||||
Ray florets (narrow, petal-like, infertile florets that surround the disk) and disk florets (tubular, fertile florets that forms disk) form 2-3 inch heads; tiny, reddish brown disk florets in the center surrounded by strap-shaped, yellow ray florets |
SEED DESCRIPTION |
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Steve Hurst Click on image to enlarge it |
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Type: Fruit – Dry Seed Pod |
Description: Seed is small, brown, flat, and longer than wide |
Months in Seed: Fall |
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Plant spreads by: | |||
Seeds and Rhizomes/ Tubers/ Roots & Shoots Clump-forming; typically slow-spreading, but in ideal conditions can become weedy by spreading underground rhizomes |
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS
Quick Fact Sheet (Condensed Species Info) |
QR Code (Links to this Webpage) |
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Plant ID Sign (Text Only): Ready as-is PDF |
Plant ID Sign (Text Only): Editable Word Doc |
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Plant ID Sign (With Picture): Ready as-is PDF |
Plant ID Sign (With Picture): Editable Word Doc |
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INFORMATION SOURCES FOR THIS PLANT