NC Native Plant Society:
Plant Details

Helianthus microcephalus

Scientific Name:	Helianthus microcephalus
Genus:	Helianthus
Species Epithet:	microcephalus
Common Name:	Small Wood Sunflower, Small-headed Sunflower, Small Woodland Sunflower
Plant Type	Herb/Wildflower
Life Cycle	Perennial
Plant Family	Asteraceae (Aster Family)
Native/Alien:	NC Native
Invasive Status:	^(*Key)
Size:	3-6 ft.
Bloom Color(s):	Yellow
Light:	Sun - 6 or more hours of sun per day, Part Shade - 2 to 6 hours of sun per day
Soil Moisture:	Dry, Moist
Bloom Time:	July, August, September, October
Growing Area:	Mountains, Piedmont, Sandhills, Coastal Plain
Habitat Description:	Dry woodlands and roadbanks. Common and rather widespread in the mountains and nearly all of the Piedmont, though rather infrequent in the northeastern corner. Very rare into the Coastal Plain.
Leaf Arrangement:	Opposite
Leaf Retention:	Deciduous
Leaf Type:	Leaves veined, not needle-like or scale-like
Leaf Form:	Simple
Life Cycle:	Perennial
Wildlife Value:	Important for Wildlife
Landscape Value:	Suitable for home landscapes
State Rank:	S5: Secure ^(*Key)
Global Rank:	G5 - Secure ^(*Key)
Spring foliage Watauga County, NC, cultivated Annkatrin Rose
The leaves are lance shaped with smooth edges or with some scattered teeth. The upper surface of the leaf is scabrous and the lower surface has scattered patches of matted hairs. Watauga County, NC, cultivated Annkatrin Rose
Flower buds. Watauga County, NC, cultivated Annkatrin Rose
Small flower heads and short ray florets. Watauga County, NC, cultivated Annkatrin Rose
Links:	USDA PLANTS Database Record