Silphium asteriscus

A robust perennial herb native to the central and eastern United States, this species produces rough hairy stems and broad leaves from a persistent underground crown. Large yellow flower heads have long ray florets surrounding a central group of disk florets. The involucral bracts beneath each head occur in several overlapping rows. Dry one-seeded fruits develop mainly from the outer florets. Its resinous sap was traditionally dried and used as chewing gum by Native Americans. Flowers attract bees and butterflies, and songbirds eat the seeds. It tolerates drought. Photographed in Florida.