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Helianthus strumosus
Helianthus strumosus, the pale-leaf sunflower, is a woodland sunflower in the family Asteraceae. It is a native perennial sunflower that resembles other members of this family including the Pale Sunflower (H. decapetalus), Woodland Sunflower (H. divaricatus), Hispid Sunflower (H. hursutus), and Jerusalem Artichoke (H. tuberosus ). Pale leaved sunflowers can be found in a diverse range of habitats. Potential habitats include woodland areas, prairies, and meadows, providing that these habitats have access to partial sun.

Description
Growing from a rhizomatous root system, H. strumosus grows from three to eight feet in height. The pale-leaf sunflower is difficult to distinguish since it is the most variable of the sunflowers. The petioles are an inch in length. The leaves tend to be thick and more narrow than other species. H. strumosus also has a definitively smooth stem.

Distribution
Helianthus strumosus is a widely distributed in North America. It is found in the central United States as well as the eastern United States. H. strumosus can even be seen in the southeastern parts of Canada. It is found more regularly in non-wetland areas, although it can occur in wetlands. The woodland sunflower is normally found in moist to moderately moist and sandy to loamy sandy areas. H. strumosus grows in natural, disturbed, and man-made habitats.

Growth Inhibiting Factors
Helianthus strumosus has been known to be attacked by the pyreno mycetous fungus Gibberidea heliopsis. This fungus attacks not only various species of the Heliantheae tribe, but also within the Astereae tribes. The fungus has been found in the southern parts of Wisconsin with Helianthus strumosus being one of the fungus primary target. The Gibberidea disease is most recognized on Helianthus strumosus with black lesions running along the side or encircling the stem of the flower. Another distinguishing feature of the disease are papillate surface of mature lesions that can be seen with a hand lens since the fungal papillae breaks through or replaces the epidermis. The first symptoms of the disease are seen around late May and occur on the sides of young leaf blades. Even after the Helianthus strumosus flower is damaged, it will continue to live the summer months, flower, and leave seeds in September.

Uses
The roots of the Helianthis strumosus flower are one of the only edible part of the plant. They can be boiled down to make a liquor that is used to treat adults and children with worms. The roots can also be used to make an infusion to help with lung related problems. Seeds from this sunflower can be used to make an oil for cooking and soap making.