looduskalender.ee

 

Sand Helichrysum

 

Sand Helichrysum; Dwarf everlasting

Harilik käokuld

Helichrysum arenarium

 

Places where to find this protected species - the sand Helichrysum or dwarf everlasting - are in southeastern Estonia and the Pandivere highlands, and have become rare. It grows on dry sand heaths, in sparsely wooded sandy pine forests and road verges, in places with loose sand soil and a sparse plant cover, and so is easily seen. It is a low plant of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family, with silver grey leaves;  flowering started in the middle of June and and lasts until the end of August. The golden florets are set in a dense composite flowerhead. The seeds ripen in August-September and are spread by the wind.