Question: Can you confirm or correct the ID of a plant in my garden? It was labeled as Helianthus divaricatus when …
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Question
Can you confirm or correct the ID of a plant in my garden? It was labeled as Helianthus divaricatus when I bought it but the characteristics don't match. Stems and leaves are scabrous (think sandpaper); new leaves are sessile, but formed leaves are short petioled (<1 cm); involucral bracts are spreading, exceeding disk; 8-13 yellow rays; disks start yellow, get a bit darker; spreads aggressively by rhizomes. I was going to share with a friend but wish to confirm ID first. Thanks.
Answer
Dear Stephradner, good morning. Helianthus identification is quite difficult (as you know), even more difficult from images. Aspects of this plant are consistent with Helianthus divaricatus, but the short, stiff hairs on the stem are not (these plant are usually completely glabrous on the vegetative portion of the stem, in my experience). It suggests, but does not prove, there many be other genomes involved with these plants. If you want to mail me a specimen, I could be more confident. Best wishes.
