About Helianthus longifolius Pursh
Helianthus longifolius, commonly called longleaf sunflower, is a North American sunflower species. It is native to the southeastern United States, where it occurs mostly in Georgia and Alabama. There is one isolated, probably introduced, population in western North Carolina. This species is a perennial herb that grows up to 30 cm (1 foot) tall. Most of its leaves are crowded around the plant's base, and each leaf can reach up to 30 cm (1 foot) in length. Its leaves and stems are typically hairless. One individual plant usually produces 3 to 12 flower heads. Each flower head holds 8 to 13 yellow ray florets, which surround 35 or more yellow disc florets. It grows in soils derived from sandstone and granite.
