Schweinitz's sunflower
Helianthus schweinitzii Torr. & A.Gray
Helianthus schweinitzii, known as Schweinitz's sunflower, is a perennial wildflower native to the Piedmont region of North Carolina and South Carolina. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and was first described in 1842 by Torr. & A.Gray. This species is considered one of the rarest sunflowers in the United States. It is typically found along utility and highway rights-of-way, with approximately 90 known populations, many of which contain fewer than 40 plants. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed it as an endangered species on May 7, 1991.
Description
Schweinitz's sunflower is endemic to the Piedmont physiographic province of North Carolina and South Carolina. It is a member of the sunflower family (Asteraceae) and is commonly found along utility and highway rights-of-way. Despite its presence in these areas, the species is rare, with only about 90 known populations, many of which are small. Due to its limited distribution and small population sizes, it was listed as an endangered species in 1991 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Other common names
Schweinitz's sunflower
Distribution
North Carolina · South Carolina
