Botanical family, common family.
Description:
Plant:
Sturdy, hairy or downy stems, to 6' with small groups of large, yellow,
narrow-rayed, daisy-like flowers. Perennial.
Flowers:
Yellow, daisy-like, 2"-4", with many (40-60) long, thin rays, surrounding
a disk that is yellow changing to brown.
Leaves:
Alternate, ovate to broadly ovate, finely toothed, and downy-whitish below.
Often with fine wrinkles. Upper leaves clasp the stem. Basal leaves
have long leafstalks (petiols), and may be up to 20" long.
Fruit:
Dry, seed-like achene, with downy hairs attached in a star-like pattern.
Blooming:
July-August
Habitat:
Fields, roadsides, like wetter areas.
Comments:
This plant was introduced to North America from Europe, but is likely
originally from Asia.
Goldfinches are attracted to the seeds.
The specific name helenium refers to a story that the plant
grew up where Helen of Troy's tears fell.
The plant has a history as a medicinal herb, principally as a tonic.
Recent tests have shown that some components have antiseptic properties.
Where to find it:
On the north-west side of the pond near the paved path.