Rosinweed sunflower facts for kids
The Helianthus silphioides is a type of sunflower often called the rosinweed sunflower or Ozark sunflower. It gets its name "rosinweed" because its sap can be a bit sticky, like rosin! This plant is native to the central parts of the United States.
Quick facts for kids Rosinweed sunflower |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Helianthus
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| Species: |
silphioides
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About the Ozark Sunflower
Where Does It Grow?
This special sunflower mostly grows in the Ozarks region and the Tennessee Valley. You can find it in states like Kentucky, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. It likes to grow in open, sunny places.
What It Looks Like
The Ozark sunflower is a perennial herb, which means it grows back year after year. It can grow quite tall, sometimes reaching up to 300 cm (about 10 feet)! Its leaves are wide and shaped like an egg.
Each plant usually has between 3 and 15 flower heads. These flower heads are made up of two kinds of tiny flowers. Around the outside, there are 8 to 13 bright yellow ray florets, which look like petals. In the center, there are 75 or more red disc florets.
Protecting This Plant
Sadly, the Helianthus silphioides is facing some challenges. In Illinois, it is considered "critically imperiled," which means it's in great danger of disappearing from the state. In Kentucky, it's listed as "endangered."
The main reason for this is habitat loss. The places where it naturally grows, like open oak woodlands and grassy areas called barrens, are shrinking. Protecting these habitats helps ensure the Ozark sunflower can continue to thrive. In most other areas where it grows, its status is either secure or still being studied.
