Gaillardia aestivalis (Walter) H. Rock - Lanceleaf Blanketflower
Family - Asteraceae
Stems:
Leaves:
Inflorescence:
N/A
Involucre:
Ray flowers:
N/A
Disk flowers:
Immature flower head.
Mature flower head.
Flower head with rays.
Fruits.
Flowering - July - November.
Habitat - Sandhills, Turkey Oak Woods.
Origin - Native to North America.
Other information - This species can be found mainly in southern half of Alabama. The plant can be identified by its pubescent stems, alternate leaves, and mainly rayless flower heads. The plant does sometimes have yellowish to reddish ray flowers.
The genus name Gaillardia is given in honor of Gaillard de Charentonneau. Charentonneau was an 18th century French magistrate and amature botanist.
The species epithet aestivalis derives from the Latin "aestival" meaning "summer" referring to the blooming season of the plant.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken off Lee Rd 10, Lee County, AL., 8-25-04, and at Fort Benning, GA., 8-11-05.