Family: Asteraceae, Aster view all from this family

Description Coarse, rough-stemmed plant with daisy-like flower heads made up of showy golden-yellow ray flowers, with disk flowers forming a brown central cone.
Flowers: head 2-3" (5-7.5 cm) wide.
Leaves: 2-7" (5-17.5 cm) long, lanceolate to ovate, rough, hairy; lower ones untoothed or scantily toothed, with 3 prominent veins and winged leafstalks.
Fruit: tiny, dry, seed-like, lacking the typical bristles.
Height: 1-3' (30-90 cm).

Warning The stems and leaves can cause skin irritation in humans.

Flower June-October.

Habitat Fields, prairies, and open woods.

Range Throughout much of North America, except Nevada, Arizona, and far north.

Discussion This native prairie biennial forms a rosette of leaves the first year, followed by flowers the second year. It is covered with hairs that give it a slightly rough texture. The Green-headed Coneflower (R. laciniata) has yellow ray flowers pointing downward, a greenish-yellow disk, and irregularly divided leaves.