Sawtooth Sunflower

The Sawtooth Sunflower (Helianthus grosseserratus) is a member of the sunflower family, blooms late in the season, and is a wildflower native to this region of Illinois. I found these in direct sunlight along the sides of the path during yesterday's hike.

The plant is neither edible nor medicinal but it can be an excellent indicator of an area that receives plenty of direct sunlight and has excellent drainage (think dry, sunny campsite.)

These plants were tall (maybe 4') but can grow up to 12' and the bright yellow flower was maybe 3-4" in diameter. I had originally identified the flowers as Maximilian's Sunflower (Helianthus maximilianii) but, upon further inspection of other pictures I had taken, determined that the plants I shot yesterday have the distinctive woody red stem of the Sawtooth Sunflower.

HERE is a page on Illinois Wildflowers that has more information on the Sawtooth Sunflower if you're interested in further reading.

Thanks for reading,


B