Images
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Morphology
- Stem
- Erect, slender, single or clustered, sometimes branched above, grooved, more or less stiff-hairy.
- Leaves
- Alternate, long-stalked below, nearly sessile above, to 10 inches long, pinnately 3-7-divided; segments lanceolate, widest at middle, stiff-hairy; margins coarsely toothed to entire; tips pointed; upper leaves reduced.
- Inflorescence
- Heads, 1 to several, terminal, on long, stiff stalks, oblong to rounded, 1/2 to 1 inch tall, 2/5 to 4/5 inch wide; bracts 10-14, in 2 series, linear to linear-oblong.
- Flower
- Ray florets 6-13, 1 to 2.5 inches long, yellow, drooping; tips toothed; disk florets with brownish corollas, each covered by gray scale prior to opening.
- Fruit
- Achenes, short, flattened, tips without bristles or scales, enclosing small seed.
Ecology
- Habitat
- Dry prairies, disturbed areas, roadsides, and woodland edges, most abundant on limestone or chalk soils.
- Distribution
- East 1/3 of Kansas.
Practical Information
- Forage Value
- Livestock graze young plants.
- Uses
- Native Americans used the root to treat toothaches.
Additional Notes
Comments
Grayhead prairie coneflower can be grown easily from seeds and makes an attractive addition to flower gardens.
Quick Facts
- Plant Type
- Wildflower
- Family
- Asteraceae - Sunflower Family
- Life Span
- Perennial
- Height
- 3-5 feet
- Last Updated
- 2018-02-22
Color Groups
Yellow Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Blooms: June, July, August