Gaillardia aestivalis (Lanceleaf Blanketflower)

Native to the southern and south-central United States, this perennial herb grows in open grasslands and pine woods. Upright stems carry alternate leaves that vary from narrow to spoon-shaped, with smooth or lightly toothed margins. Flower heads have an outer ring of ray flowers surrounding a raised center of smaller disk flowers. The rays may be pink, purple, yellow, cream or white, while the disk flowers range from yellow to purple-brown. Small, dry fruits carry pointed scales that aid dispersal. Its flowers attract a variety of pollinators. Photographed in Colombia.