False Sunflower
Helianthella uniflora
Aster family (Asteraceae)
A denizen of undisturbed sagebrush flats and mountain , One-flowered Sunflower accents the gray-green of sagebrush with its bright yellow blooms. Distinguishing Helianthella from similar sunflowers such as (Helianthus) is a fun challenge. Look for 4 traits: 1) ray and disk flowers are equally yellow in Helianthella, whereas in Helianthus the flowers are often darker yellow compared to the ; 2) of Helianthella tend to be much narrower and more loosely compared to those of Helianthus; 3) Helianthus generally has leaves and larger flowerheads; and 4) Helianthus prefers trailside, roadside, and wet habitats.
©2014 Steve Sullivan
