Shadow Goldeneye

Common Name(s):

Showy Goldeneye
Nevada Showy False Goldeneye
False Goldeneye

Scientific Name:

Heliomeris multiflora Nutt.

Scientific Name Synonyms:

Viguiera multiflora (Nutt.) S.F. Blake

Symbol:

HEMU3

Description:

Life Span: Perennial

Origin: Native

Growth Characteristics: This bright member of the sunflower family grows from a shallow taproot or fibrous rootstock, with several stems standing 1 to 4 feet tall. It is often growing in small bushy clumps. This bright sunflower is long-lived and abundant in summer and fall mountain meadows, flowers July to September.

Flowers/Inflorescence: The complete flower heads are 1 – 1 ½ inches broad. The begin with a green central disk and tiny green rays, gradually changing to golden disks and golden-yellow rays around the outside.

Fruits/Seeds: Black, hairless achene (like a sunflower seed). They are thick and angular in cross-section. Their tops are clasped by chaffy bracts as in a sunflower head.

Leaves: Narrow and a deep green in color. All but the uppermost leaves are opposite on the stem. Leaves are slightly toothed and 1-3 inches long.

Stems: Wiry

Ecological Adaptions:

It is very common along roadsides, in aspen woodlands and on dry open slopes. It is also common in the mountains, found well up toward timberline. Its elevation range is from 4400 to 10,200 feet. It is often seen in mountain and high-mountain meadows. It is not shade tolerant.

Soils: Showy goldeneye prefers rich and well-drained soils, but can grow in most soil types and pH’s.

Associated Species: Aspen, sticky geranium

Uses and Management:

One of the many wildflowers abundant in Utah.