Perennial herb to 1 m tall. Basal leaves lanceolate to elliptic, to 20 cm long, to 7 cm wide, petiolate. Stem leaves diminishing in size up the stems, sessile. Capitula to 10 cm across; summer and autumn.

SE USA

[S. cyanea L'HÃĩr.]

Available as cultivars with flower heads of different sizes and colours, including 'Alba', 'Blue Giant' and 'Caerulea'.

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.