Plant Identification Learning Module:
Flowers and Foliage

Beach Sunflower (Helianthus debilis)

Beach sunflower (sometimes called dune sunflower) is a native ground cover with a height that varies from 6 inches to 2 feet tall. It grows as a perennial or self-seeding annual. The 2″ sunflower-like flowers (called disk and ray) attract butterflies. (The disk flowers form the dark center, surrounded by the yellow ray flowers which resemble petals). The simple 2-4 inch long leaves are alternately arranged, lanceolate, and rough textured. Leaf margins are undulate and often toothed.

---