Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Sunflowers in NM


Common sunflowers in NM:
Perennials:
Helianthus ciliaris Blue-green, short, forming extensive colonies from perennial roots.  Leaves sessile.

Annual (no rhizomes):
Helianthus annuus  -Phyllaries ovate, abruptly narrowed to acuminate tip, ciliate
Helianthus paradoxus  phyllaries lanceolate, gradually tapering to the tip, not ciliate.  Usually no branches, no white “eye” in flower center. In wetlands.
Helianthus neglectus  phyllaries lanceolate, gradually tapering to the tip, not ciliate.  Usually branched, with a white “eye” in flower center.  Lower leaves w/ cordate bases.  Larger heads than H. petiolaris. 
Helianthus petiolaris  phyllaries lanceolate, gradually tapering to the tip, not ciliate.  Usually branched, with a white “eye” in flower center. Lower leaves w/o cordate bases.

Key based on Allred's Flora Neomexicana

No comments: