Borrichia frutescens (Sea Oxeye Daisy)

Native from the southeastern United States to Mexico and the Bahamas, this perennial shrub grows about 3 feet tall. It spreads by underground stems, forming colonies in coastal wetlands. Its thick, opposite leaves have three prominent veins and often a covering of gray hairs. Yellow flower heads consist of outer ray flowers surrounding a center of small tubular flowers. In North Carolina, flowering extends from summer into fall. The flowers provide nectar for butterflies and bees, while birds and small mammals eat the seeds. It tolerates salty soil and coastal salt spray. Photographed in Florida.