Algodones Dunes Sunflower
(Helianthus niveus ssp. tephrodes )
Asteraceae 
Photo Copyright 1996 Dean Wm. Taylor
Description: Perennial and sometimes shrubby plant, 1.6-5 feet tall. Stems with white silky hairs. Leaves triangular to egg shaped (deltoid-ovate), 1 1/4 - 2 3/4 inches (3-7cm) long, 3/4 - 1 1/2 inches (2-4cm) wide, with white silky, long and soft hairs. Has several flower heads with a reddish disk (center of flower) 5/8 - 1 inch (1.5-2.5cm) diameter. Disk corollas slender with a minute amount of short, soft hairs at wide base of teh tube, and on the lobes. Distribution: Known in California only from the Algodones (also called Imperial) sand dunes of Imperial County, CA. It also occurs in southwestern Arizona and northern Mexico. Habitat: Sandy desert area. Flowering Period: Blooms March - May and October - January. Similar Plants: No other plant actually growing on the sands of the Algodones Dunes has large yellow flower heads similar to Algodones Dunes sunflower. Status: California State Endangered, California Native Plant Society List 1B | 