Fewleaf sunflower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fewleaf sunflower |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Helianthus
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| Species: |
occidentalis
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The fewleaf sunflower (Helianthus occidentalis) is a type of sunflower. It's also known as the western sunflower. This plant grows naturally in the Eastern and Central United States. You can find it mostly around the Great Lakes Region and in the Ozarks. Some fewleaf sunflowers also grow in places like Massachusetts, Texas, and the Florida Panhandle.
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What is the Fewleaf Sunflower Like?
The fewleaf sunflower is special because of its leaves. Most of its leaves grow close together near the bottom of the stem. This makes the upper part of the stem look like it has fewer leaves.
This plant is a perennial. This means it lives for more than two years. It can grow to be about 2 to 5 feet (60 to 150 centimeters) tall.
Its Unique Flowers
The fewleaf sunflower produces one or more bright yellow flower heads. Each flower head looks like a single large flower. However, it is actually made of many tiny flowers.
- The outer part has 8 to 14 "petals." These are called ray florets.
- The center has more than 50 tiny flowers. These are called disc florets.
Where Does Its Name Come From?
The scientific name for this plant is Helianthus occidentalis. The word occidentalis comes from Latin. It means "western."
This plant was first described in 1836. At that time, the Great Lakes Region was considered the western part of the United States. That's how it got its "western" name.
Types of Fewleaf Sunflower
There are two main types, or subspecies, of the fewleaf sunflower:
