Angiosperms: Dicotyledons

Asteraceae
Daisy Family

• Notes:

  Helianthus occidentalis is generally similar to H. grosseserratus but is shorter, usually 2’ to 4’ with a few pairs of leaves, mostly near the base of the stem. The leaves have longer leaf stalks, wider blades (6” by 3”), tapered bases, and pointed tips. The leaves are rough-hairy above and hairy below. There are fewer heads on long, nearly leafless flower stalks. The rays are smaller (3/4” by 1/8”), the heads are 1 3/4” across, and the fillaries are oval with sharp tips and stiff marginal hairs. Flowering is from early August to early September, and fruiting begins in late August. H. occidentalis is infrequent on dry and prairies.

  The common name obviously do not apply to the distribution in Iowa since it is restricted to the eastern third of the state.

• Bibliography from Biodiversity Heritage Library
• Vascular Plants of Iowa