Helianthus petiolaris
grows on sandy soils in meadows and along roadsides on the plains. It has a bushy
growth habit with numerous flower heads about 2-inches in diameter. Leaves are
triangular. Phyllaries are lanceolate. Plant height is 2 to 4 feet.
Compare to Helianthus annuus, which
grows in similar habitats. H. annuus has broader leaves and broader phyllaries.
H. annuus and H. petiolaris can hybridize.
