Helianthus agrestis

Helianthus agrestis is a species of sunflower known by the common name Southeastern sunflower. It is one of 150 sunflower species in the genus Helianthus.[1] It is found only in the states of Florida and Georgia in the southeastern United States.[2][3] This plant is native to Florida.[4] It grows in wet soil in marshes and pine flatwoods at elevations less than 50 meters (170 feet) elevation.[5][6]

Helianthus agrestis

Secure  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
(unranked):
Angiosperms
(unranked):
Eudicots
(unranked):
Asterids
Order:
Asterales
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Helianthus
Species:
H. agrestis
Binomial name
Helianthus agrestis
Pollard

Description

Helianthus agrestis plants can grow up to one meter tall. Helianthus agrestis is a flowering plant that has bright orange-yellow rays.[6] Each plant can have about 10-15 rays and up to 50 disc florets.[5] The bright colors on this plant make it attractive to many pollinators.[7] The leaves of this plant are oval shaped and have a petiolate attachment and alternate on the stem.[5][6] The stem is branched and hairy with some pubescence.[6]

Growth

Helianthus agrestis are an annual species that flower in the late summer to early fall months.[5]Helianthus species require a lot of sun to grow. For optimal growth, the plant should get at least 6 hours of full sun a day.[1] Sunflower seeds also contain a toxic substance that will kill all nearby grass.[8]

Habitat

Helianthus agrestis is native to Florida. It is also only found in Thomasville, Georgia.[9]

Significance

Helianthus agrestis is a popular plant amongst humans for cosmetic and decorative purposes. In wildlife, birds and small mammals consume Helianthus agrestis seeds.[4] It is primarily pollinated by bees.[4]

References
  1. "Helianthus (Sunflower) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox". plants.ces.ncsu.edu. Retrieved 2020-12-18.
  2. Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution map
  3. Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants
  4. "Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS)". www.fnps.org. Retrieved 2020-12-17.
  5. Flora of North America, Helianthus agrestis Pollard, 1900. Southeastern sunflower
  6. Pollard, Charles Louis 1900. Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 13(38): 184
  7. Mason, Chase M.; Patel, Hiral S.; Davis, Kaleigh E.; Donovan, Lisa A. (2017-07-18). "Beyond pollinators: evolution of floral architecture with environment across the wild sunflowers (Helianthus, Asteraceae)". Plant Ecology and Evolution. 150 (2): 139–150. doi:10.5091/plecevo.2017.1321. ISSN 2032-3913.
  8. WoFP (2017-12-26). "Helianthus agrestis (Southeastern Sunflower)". World of Flowering Plants. Retrieved 2020-12-19.
  9. "Helianthus agrestis - Species Details". Atlas of Florida Plants. Retrieved 2020-12-19.
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