Verbesina aristata Plant Identification (Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses)

Family – Asteraceae

Stems:

Leaves:

Inflorescence:

Involucre:

Ray flowers:

Disk flowers:

Flowering – June – September.

Habitat – Flatwoods, hammocks, savannahs.

Origin – Native to North America.

Other information – This species can essentially be found in the southeastern corner of Alabama and is endemic to the pine flatwoods and savannah habitats. The plant can be identified by its hairy stems and opposite, sessile leaves that are sharply dentate all the way to the base. The leaves become bract-like and alternate in the inflorescence. The winged, orbicular fruits are a good indicator of the genus.
The genus name Verbesina is of uncertain derivation. It is said to have been morphed from the genus Verbena.
The species epithet aristata derives from the Latin “arist(a)” meaning “an awn, bristle” referring to ?

Alabama Distribution:

Photographs taken at Fort Benning, GA., 7-3-05.