The only composite that I can think of that has yellow, narrow ray petals (ligules) is Elecampane (Inula helenium). It is a perennial from Europe which is sometimes grown in gardens and has naturalized in a large area in eastern North America. Check for large leaves, the basal ones are ovate with stems (petioles) and the leaves on the main stem are clasping (sessile or without a petiole) with the base of the leaves projecting ear-like pieces on either side of the stem. The undersides of the leaves are woolly. The leaves should have shallow,irregular teeth along the margins.

Posted by joem50 on 2009-09-09, 02:01:11   Report this as offensive.