October_2006

Eggert's Sunflower
Helianthus eggertii

This is an endemic sunflower found only in the Highland Rim and Cumberland Plateau areas of Tennessee and
adjacent areas of Kentucky and Alabama. Listed in 1997 under the Endangered Species Act as a threatened
species, it has made a significant recovery and has recently been delisted due to increases in population
numbers in specially managed areas.
A perennial that can grow to 6 feet tall, it can be identified by its blue-waxy, opposite, sessile, lance-shaped leaves,
the undersides of which are smooth and glaucous. The stems are also smooth and glaucous and often bluish.
The flower heads are rich yellow and 2 to 3 inches in diameter.
Eggert's sunflower is also called Tennessee sunflower because the bulk of the plants occur in Tennessee. They
can be found along dry, rocky hills and open silty flats, particularly areas that have been moderately disturbed such
as roadsides and power lines.