Beach sunflowers ( Helianthus debilis) appear in the dunes early in the spring and bloom through the summer. A wheel of yellow-orange petals surrounds a dark center, which itself contains minute flowers.
The plants spread out into patches several feet wide. Their lush triangular leaves have saw-toothed edges and a hairy underside. A long taproot that helps stabilize the sand and holds reserves of moisture for the plant.
