Porter's sunflower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Confederate daisy |
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| Helianthus porteri on Stone Mtn. | |
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| Genus: |
Helianthus
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| Species: |
porteri
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The Helianthus porteri is a type of sunflower often called the Porter's sunflower, Stone Mountain daisy, or Confederate daisy. This plant is originally from the southeastern United States, growing naturally in places like Alabama and Georgia. However, it has also spread to granite rock areas in North Carolina, where it grows very quickly and can take over.
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Meet the Confederate Daisy
This special sunflower is known for its ability to grow in tough places. It's an annual herb, which means it lives for only one growing season. It can reach a height of up to 100 centimeters (about 40 inches).
What Does It Look Like?
The Confederate daisy has bright, cheerful flowers. Each plant usually produces five or more flower heads. These flower heads are made up of two kinds of tiny flowers called florets. You'll see about 7 or 8 yellow ray florets around the outside, which look like petals. In the center, there are 30 or more yellow disc florets, which form the middle part of the flower.
Where Does It Live?
This sunflower has a very specific home. It loves to grow on thin layers of soil found on and around flat granite and gneiss rocks. These rocky areas are often called "outcrops." The plant is tough enough to thrive in these challenging environments where other plants might struggle.
Who Was Thomas Porter?
The scientific name of this plant, Helianthus porteri, honors a person named Thomas Conrad Porter. He was an American botanist, which means he was a scientist who studied plants. Many plants are named after the people who discovered or studied them.
