Helianthella Parryi, Parry's Dwarf-Sunflower

Helianthella parryi grows in wooded areas of medium to high elevation regions, mostly in the southern Rocky Mountains (Colorado and New Mexico) and the Gila National Forest of New Mexico. Flowerheads are large, up to 3 inches in diameter, facing sideways or downwards (nodding); they have between 8 and 14 yellow ray florets, one inch or more in length, crossed by two lengthwise grooves. At the center is a flattened mound of disc florets, initially greenish, becoming yellow-orange as they mature, from the outside inwards. The broad green phyllaries are in three rows, all approximately equal in size, with straggly white hairs along their edges. Phyllary faces are hairless.

Leaves grow all along the stems, the largest around the middle; they have a light-colored midvein and one or (usually) two pairs of side veins. Leaf surfaces are rough due to a covering of very short, bristly hairs.