| Many-stem Woolly Sunflower |
| Eriophyllum multicaule |
| Family: Asteraceae (Aster) |
| Flowers — color: yellow, size: 1/4", type: daisy (compound) |
Many-stem Woolly Sunflower has a daisy flower about 1/4" wide. The flowerhead contains five to seven ray florets and a dozen disk florets, both bright yellow. Several flowers grow at the end of each stem and at leaf nodes. They bloom from April to June.
Habit:
I explored a side trail and found a broad sandy clearing. It held this burned out plant with some gorgeous tiny flowers. Identification was impossible for me. I have returned earlier in the season over the following years and refound this gem.
Many-stem Woolly Sunflower is a small annual herb. Several stems grow from the base and spread along the surface. They branch occasionally and reach a width of about four inches. Several pale-green leaves grow at each leaf node. They are wedge-shaped, about 1/4" long, and have two indentations on the far side. The stems and leaf undersides may seem wooly with fine hairs, the translation of the genus name, Eriophyllum. Same genus as golden yarrow.
Sunny open spaces.