Blanket flower

This wildflower is native to much of northern and western North America, where it grows in many habitats. It is also a widely cultivated garden flower. This is a perennial herb reaching maximum heights of anywhere between 20 and 70 centimeters. It has lance-shaped leaves near the base and several erect, naked stems holding the flowers. Each flower head has a center of brownish or reddish purple disc florets and a fringe of ray florets which are about one to three centimeters long and yellow to reddish with dark bases. The fruit is a stout, hairy achene which may be over a centimeter long including the long, spiky pappus.