Wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia)
Wingstem is named for the leaf tissue fanning out from the length of the stem. Blooming in the heat of summer and throughout the fall season, this tall prairie plant features domed clusters of perky yellow flowerheads whose spiny florets are often compared to pin cushions. The petals are also a bright yellow, flaring down and outwards from the center.
It prefers a site with part sun to mottled shade, and although a slightly wetter situation is better, this plant will tolerate some variance in moisture levels. Spreading readily by seed and rhizomes, Wingstem can quickly colonize in the right conditions; because of this, it is considered aggressive and may not be suitable for small landscape plantings.
Once marketed to beekeepers as the "Golden Honey Plant" for good reason. The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation recognizes Verbesina alternifolia as having special value to pollinators because it supports a great diversity of bees and wasps. It is also a host plant for the Silvery Checkerspot butterfly, Summer Azure butterfly, and Gold Moth.