Beach Dune Flower: Helianthus debilis
The Beach Dune flower is well known to many residents of the Beach. It can be found just about everywhere. It grows on the Beach, along the side walks and swales on Estero Blvd, behind the dune in Bowditch Park and occasionally in the Preserve. The plant is easily recognized by its attractive flower with 10 to 20 bright yellow rays surrounding a dark brown disk, a clear indication that it is a member of the Aster family. The sunflower like flower runs about 3" in diameter which blooms year around. Debilis has triangular dark green leaves that are irregularly toothed and lobed. It is both salt and drought tolerant which makes it well suited for a Coastal Dunes habitat. The plant closely hugs the ground which makes it an excellent groundcover. Several Beach residents plant debilis because of this feature. It is a fast grower that spreads aggressively. It can sometime be a problem when it spreads into your neighbor's yard. It also tends to get leggy after two years. Mine are that way now and I plan on tearing them out in the fall. They will promptly re-grow next spring. This specimen was photographed in my front yard.
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