Annual or biennial herb to 2 m tall, taprooted, hairy. Stems erect, often branched above. Leaves ovate, to 20 cm long, to 12 cm wide, margins entire to toothed. Capitula solitary or a few together, to 20 cm across; mostly late spring to winter. Ray florets yellow. Disk florets brownish. Achenes 5-10 mm long, hairy. Pappus of 2 minute scales or absent.

N America

Available as hybrid selections and cultivars. 'Russian Giant' grows over 3 m tall with large single, yellow flower heads to 25 cm wide. 'Daniel', 'Sunfola' and 'Yellow Express' are also listed.

Source: Lawson, L.; Spencer, R. (2002). Dahlia. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 4. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 3. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.