small woodland sunflower
Helianthus microcephalus Torr. & A.Gray
Helianthus microcephalus, known as small woodland sunflower, is a perennial plant in the Asteraceae family. Native to Northern America, it grows in open woodlands and along roadsides. It serves as a host plant for several butterfly species, including the American painted lady, painted lady, spring azure, and silvery checkerspot butterflies.
Description
Helianthus microcephalus is a species of sunflower found in regions such as Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, and others. It is a perennial plant that thrives in open woodlands and along roadsides. The species plays an ecological role by supporting butterfly populations, acting as a host plant for the American painted lady, painted lady, spring azure, and silvery checkerspot butterflies. The plant was first described in 1842 by Torr. & A.Gray.
Other common names
woodland sunflowersmall-head sunflowersmall-wood sunflowersmall woodland sunflower
Distribution
Alabama · Arkansas · Connecticut · District of Columbia · Florida · Georgia · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maryland · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · New Jersey · North Carolina · Ohio · Pennsylvania · South Carolina · Tennessee · Virginia · West Virginia
