Family: Asteraceae
Author: Raf.
Bibliography: Ann. Nat.: 14 (1820)
Year: 1820
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Helianthus
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. Canada to Mexico (Coahuila, Nuevo León)
Description
The Hairy Sunflower, known scientifically as Helianthus hirsutus, is a captivating species belonging to the diverse family of Asteraceae. This perennial flower is notably recognized for its signature hairy stems and leaves, which contribute to its common name. Carefully described and documented by the renowned botanist Raf. in the early 19th century (Ann. Nat.: 14, 1820), the Hairy Sunflower has since captured the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
Native to a broad range stretching from Southeastern Canada to parts of Mexico, specifically Coahuila and Nuevo León, Helianthus hirsutus thrives in various environments. It can commonly be found gracing open fields, roadsides, and woodlands, where it competes successfully due to its robust structure and adaptability.
The Hairy Sunflower typically blooms from midsummer to early fall, displaying vibrant yellow petals that radiate around a darker, central disc. This striking contrast makes it a visually appealing addition to any landscape. Besides its aesthetic value, the plant plays a critical role in the ecosystem, providing nectar and pollen for a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
This species’ ability to adapt and flourish across a vast geographic range speaks volumes about its hardiness and ecological importance. Its presence enhances biodiversity, supporting both flora and fauna within its habitat. Whether cultivated for its beauty or observed in the wild, the Hairy Sunflower continues to be a subject of admiration and study, illustrating nature’s intricacies through its simple yet profound existence.
Common Names
Eng: bristly sunflower, hairy sunflower, rough sunflower, stiff-haired sunflower, whiskered sunflower
Fra: hélianthe hérissé
En: Hairy sunflower, Bristly sunflower, Rough sunflower, Stiff-haired sunflower, Whiskered sunflower
Fr: Hélianthe hérissé
Synonyms
- Helianthus diversifolius (Elliott)
- Helianthus hirsutus var. stenophyllus (Torr. & A.Gray)
- Helianthus hirsutus var. leoninus ((E.Watson) E.J.Palmer & Steyerm.)
- Helianthus stenophyllus (E.Watson)
- Helianthus hispidulus (Elliott)
- Helianthus hirsutus var. trachyphyllus (Torr. & A.Gray)
- Helianthus leoninus (E.Watson)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Oct 8, 2017 by mad (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 24, 2022 by vignolo clara (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 5, 2019 by April Ray (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 27, 2017 by Travis Fry (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 16, 2014 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Sep 4, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 20, 2020 by plantvir (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2022 by Joni Apt (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 9, 2021 by Cathy Kavassalis (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 3, 2021 by Brad Kelley (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 15, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 15, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 17, 2013 by EOL − Royal Tyler (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 5, 2013 by EOL − Royal Tyler (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 5, 2013 by EOL − Royal Tyler (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2013 by EOL − Royal Tyler (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Sep 15, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3119209)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:329246-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Helianthus hirsutus Raf.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb