Heterotheca canescens (Hoary Goldenaster)

Native to the central United States, this low, branching perennial herb grows in sandy and gravelly prairies, on rocky outcrops and along roadsides. Dense hairs give its stems and narrow leaves a silvery gray appearance. It has a taproot and often spreads by underground stems, forming colonies. Its yellow flower heads combine outer ray florets with numerous small disk florets in the center. In Texas, flowering occurs mainly from July through September. It provides some forage for wildlife but is of little value to livestock. Photographed in Florida.