Willowleaf sunflower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Willowleaf sunflower |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Helianthus
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| Species: |
salicifolius
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The Helianthus salicifolius is a special type of sunflower. It is often called the willowleaf sunflower because its leaves look like those of a willow tree. This plant grows naturally in the central part of the United States.
Where Does the Willowleaf Sunflower Live?
This unique sunflower is native to the Great Plains and Ozark Plateau. You can find it growing wild in states like Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. It loves to grow in open areas called limestone prairies. Sometimes, you might see it growing in other parts of the country too. These plants usually started from seeds that escaped from gardens.
What Does the Willowleaf Sunflower Look Like?
The willowleaf sunflower is a perennial herb. This means it's a plant that lives for more than two years. It can grow very tall, sometimes reaching up to 250 centimeters (over 8 feet)! It spreads out using special underground stems called rhizomes. These rhizomes help new plants grow nearby.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of this sunflower are quite long but very thin. They can be up to 21 centimeters (8.4 inches) long. But they are usually less than 1.2 centimeters (half an inch) wide.
Each willowleaf sunflower plant usually has many flower heads. A single plant can produce between 6 and 15 flower heads. Each flower head looks like a classic sunflower. It has 10 to 20 bright yellow ray florets. These are the "petals" you see around the edge. In the center, there are 50 or more red disc florets. These tiny flowers make up the dark center of the sunflower.
