Common Name:
FALSE SUNFLOWER
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Coefficient of Conservatism:
5
Coefficient of Wetness:
3
Wetness Index:
FACU
Physiognomy:
Nt P-Forb
A. A. Reznicek
Prairies, fens, meadows, river banks, and other moist ground; savannas and thickets (especially at borders and clearings) with aspen, birch, and other trees; evidently spreading along roadsides and railroads.
This species is frequently mistaken for one of Helianthus (see couplet 43 in key to genera of Group B for a reminder of the differences). It could also be hastily confused with Silphium integrifolium, if one recognized a sunflower-like plant but with fertile ray flowers (thus not Helianthus); Silphium has the upper leaves entire or nearly so and essentially sessile, while Heliopsis has the leaves rather coarsely toothed and clearly petioled.
This is a variable species; two varieties have been recognized in Michigan: var. helianthoides in southern Michigan with glabrous or sparsely pubescent leaves and var. scabra (Dunal) Fernald with scabrous leaves occurring throughout the state.