Helianthus longifolius

{{Short description|Species of sunflower}}

{{Speciesbox

| image = Helianthus longifolius.jpg

| image_caption =

| genus = Helianthus

| species = longifolius

| authority = Pursh 1813 not Hook. 1833

| synonyms_ref = [http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/gcc-78012 The Plant List, Helianthus longifolius Pursh ]

| synonyms = Leighia longifolia (Pursh) Nutt.

}}

Helianthus longifolius is a North American species of sunflower known by the common name longleaf sunflower. It is native to the southeastern United States (mostly Georgia and Alabama with one isolated population (probably introduced) in western North Carolina).[http://bonap.net/MapGallery/County/Helianthus%20longifolius.png Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution map]

Helianthus longifolius is a perennial herb up to 30 cm (1 foot) tall. Most of the leaves are crowded around the base, each leaf up to 30 cm (1 foot) long. Leaves and stems generally have no hairs. One plant usually produces 3-12 flower heads. Each head has 8-13 yellow ray florets surrounding 35 or more yellow disc florets. The plant grows soils derived from sandstone and granite.[http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=250066888 Flora of North America, Helianthus longifolius Pursh, 1813. Longleaf sunflower ]