Clinging Needleflower

This large flower grows up to 2.1 feet (64 cm) tall. Its yellow-green stem is thin, and the huge, gray leaves are needle-like with smooth edges. Many leaves grow along the entire length of the stem.

5 to 9 small flowers grow on alternate sides up the length of the stem. The flowers are 76 cm (29.9 inches) wide, with solid yellow petals decorated with indigo dots and a yellow central disk. The flower head is made up of dozens of petals in raised layers. They fall easily.

It has a scent whose strength depends on external factors, such as soil quality and rain frequency that smells like cigarette smoke, and it has very little pollen; it can cause severe allergic reactions. It is pollinated by insects , but is also visited by a small species of bird.