Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Asterales
Family:
Species:
microcephalus
ID:
33677

Status:
valid

Authors:
Torr. & A.Gray

Source:
gcc

Year:
1842

Citation Micro:
Fl. N. Amer. 2: 329 (-330) (1842)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000033006

Common Names

  • Helianthus microcephalus
  • Small-headed sunflower
  • Small-headed aster

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Synonyms

  • Helianthus tracheliifolius Hook. [unknown]
  • Helianthus divaricatus Michx. [unknown]
  • Helianthus parviflorus Bernh. ex Spreng. [unknown]

Description

Helianthus microcephalus (also called Small-headed Sunflower, among many other common names) is an annual herb native to North America. It grows to a height of up to 1 m and has yellow flowers. It is found in grassland and scrubland habitats.

Uses & Benefits

Helianthus microcephalus is a drought-tolerant, evergreen shrub that is often used as a groundcover or in rock gardens. It has attractive, silvery-green foliage and produces small, yellow flowers in summer. It is also a popular choice for hedging and topiary.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Flower of Helianthus microcephalus is bright yellow and daisy-like. The seeds are small, black and round-shaped. The seedlings are small and have two leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Helianthus microcephalus is an annual that can be propagated by seed. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate light shade. It can be grown in containers or in the ground.

Where to Find Helianthus microcephalus

Helianthus microcephalus is native to the western United States, from California to Montana.

Helianthus microcephalus FAQ

What type of soil does Helianthus microcephalus prefer?

Helianthus microcephalus prefers well-drained, sandy soils with a pH of 6.0-7.5.

How much water does Helianthus microcephalus need?

Helianthus microcephalus needs moderate amounts of water, about once a week.

How much sunlight does Helianthus microcephalus need?

Helianthus microcephalus needs full sun to partial shade.

Species in the Helianthus genus

Helianthus mollis, Helianthus luxurians, Helianthus simulans, Helianthus cusickii, Helianthus arizonensis, Helianthus californicus, Helianthus petiolaris, Helianthus hirsutus, Helianthus divariserratus, Helianthus decapetalus, Helianthus grosseserratus, Helianthus porteri, Helianthus cinereus, Helianthus occidentalis, Helianthus exilis, Helianthus silphioides, Helianthus resinosus, Helianthus microcephalus, Helianthus laetiflorus, Helianthus floridanus, Helianthus carnosus, Helianthus anomalus, Helianthus salicifolius, Helianthus dissectifolius, Helianthus paradoxus, Helianthus deserticola, Helianthus divaricatus, Helianthus radula, Helianthus pumilus, Helianthus smithiorum, Helianthus laciniatus, Helianthus ambiguus, Helianthus ambiguus, Helianthus angustifolius, Helianthus laevigatus, Helianthus glaucus, Helianthus strumosus, Helianthus pauciflorus, Helianthus ciliaris, Helianthus maximiliani, Helianthus glaucophyllus, Helianthus annuus, Helianthus bolanderi, Helianthus tuberosus, Helianthus giganteus, Helianthus alexidis, Helianthus heterophyllus, Helianthus verticillatus, Helianthus praecox, Helianthus schweinitzii,

Species in the Asteraceae family

Aaronsohnia pubescens, Aaronsohnia factorovskyi, Abrotanella filiformis, Abrotanella rostrata, Abrotanella linearis, Abrotanella trilobata, Abrotanella muscosa, Abrotanella inconspicua, Abrotanella trichoachaenia, Abrotanella caespitosa, Abrotanella nivigena, Abrotanella pusilla, Abrotanella linearifolia, Abrotanella papuana, Abrotanella rosulata, Abrotanella emarginata, Abrotanella fertilis, Abrotanella spathulata, Abrotanella purpurea, Abrotanella patearoa, Abrotanella submarginata, Abrotanella diemii, Abrotanella scapigera, Abrotanella forsterioides, Acamptopappus shockleyi, Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus, Acanthocephalus benthamianus, Acanthocephalus amplexifolius, Acanthocladium dockeri, Acanthodesmos distichus, Acanthodesmos gibarensis, Acanthospermum humile, Acanthospermum consobrinum, Acanthospermum glabratum, Acanthospermum microcarpum, Acanthospermum hispidum, Acanthospermum australe, Acanthospermum lecocarpoides, Acanthostyles buniifolius, Acanthostyles saucechicoensis, Achillea buiana, Achillea conrathii, Achillea cucullata, Achillea styriaca, Achillea clavennae, Achillea cappadocica, Achillea huber-morathii, Achillea ptarmicoides, Achillea sieheana, Achillea barrelieri,

References

Asa Gray (1810-1888): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'A.Gray' in the authors string.
John Torrey (1796-1873): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Torr.' in the authors string.
POWO record for urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:329255-2: Based on the initial data import