Schweinitz’s sunflower

This is a perennial wildflower that is endemic to the Piedmontarea of North Carolina and South Carolina. Nationwide, it is one of the rarest plants in the United States, but within its range it is not uncommon along utility and highway rights-of-way. There are only about 90 known populations, many containing less than 40 plants each. It was listed as a federal endangered species on May 7, 1991. Its stems are usually solitary, branching only at or above mid-stem. It flowers for about two to three weeks in early October. It is named for Lewis David von Schweinitz (1780-1834), a Salem, North Carolina clergyman and botanist who discovered the species. It was first described by botanists John Torrey (1796-1873) and Asa Gray (1810-1888).