The Rayless Sunflower is a wildflower that is native to the southeastern United States.It has an unusual form for a sunflower. Rather than a long stem with numerous leaves along it like a typical garden sunflower, the rayless does not have a long, leafy stem but rather a pair of opposite, basal leaves that are sessile and lay on the ground. The flowers are on long, straight, leafless stalks that arise from the center of the basal rosette. The flowers do not have yellow ray florets (or “petals”) but instead consist of only a cluster of dark disk florets. The inflorescences can be used in crafts for their unique form. It can be grown as a wildflower and for naturalizing. It grows in sandy soil in full sun.
Growing Instructions for the Rayless Sunflower
1. It likes moist, sandy soil and full sun. Make a mixture of potting soil and sand. 2. Put the mixture in a pot. 3. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil. 4. Water the soil and keep it moist. Put the container in an area that is in full sun. 5. When the seedlings have a few leaves they can be transplanted.
