Helianthus × laetiflorus

Read about Helianthus × laetiflorus in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture

Helianthus scaberrimus, Ell. (H. rigidus, Desf. H. missiouriensis, Schwein.). St. 1-3 ft. high (rarely 5-8 ft.), strict, sparingly branched, rough or hairy: lvs. 6-12 in. long, oblong to ovate-lanceolate, firm, thick, rough- hairy, entire or slightly toothed: fls. 2 ½ -4 in. wide, showy, long-stalked; rays numerous, about 1 ½ in. long; disk sometimes yellow at first, turning brown. Aug.-Oct. Minn, to Ill., Ga., and Texas prairies. B.R. 508 (as H. atrorubens). B.M. 2020 (as H. diffusus); 2668 (H.atrorubens). Gn. 27, p. 68. G. 3:391; 17: 544 (both as Harpalium rigidum).—After H. decapetalus this species is one of the best perennial sunflowers. It varies under cult, chiefly in the direction of doubling and in lengthening the blooming period. Some of the best garden varieties are aestivalis, grandiflorus, semiplenus and Miss Mellish. The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.