Helianthus salicifolius

{{Short description|Species of sunflower}}

{{Speciesbox

|image = Helianthus salicifolius (8005661513).jpg

|status = LC

|status_system = IUCN3.1

|genus = Helianthus

|species = salicifolius

|authority = A.Dietr.

|synonyms_ref = [http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/gcc-139018 The Plant List, Helianthus salicifolius A.Dietr. ]

|synonyms =*Helianthus filiformis Small

• Helianthus orgyalis DC.

}}

Helianthus salicifolius is a North American species of sunflower known by the common name willowleaf sunflower.{{PLANTS|id=HESA2|taxon=Helianthus salicifolius|accessdate=6 July 2015}} It is native to the central United States, primarily in the Great Plains and Ozark Plateau (states of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas). There are a few reports of scattered populations in the Northeast and Midwest parts of the country, but these appear to be escapes from cultivation.[http://bonap.net/MapGallery/County/Helianthus%20salicifolius.png Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution map]

Helianthus salicifolius grows in limestone prairies. It is a perennial herbaceous plant up to {{convert|2.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} tall, spreading by means of underground rhizomes. The leaves are long but very narrow, up to {{convert|21|cm|in|abbr=on}} long, but rarely more than 1.2 cm (half an inch) wide. One plant usually produces 6-15 flower heads, each containing 10-20 yellow ray florets surrounding 50 or more red disc florets.[http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242416639 Flora of North America, Helianthus salicifolius A. Dietrich 1834]