A patch of Aspen Sunflowers (Helianthella quinquenervis) glows in the morning sunlight in a grove of aspen trees in the Gunnison National Forest of southwestern Colorado.

The aspen sunflowers bloom between June and August and grow in moist, sunny aspen forests, clearings, and slopes. With a height ranging from three to five feet, they stand well above the surrounding foliage.

Aspen sunflowers share a unique relationship with ants. The plant secretes a nectar that attracts only ants, and the ants protect the plant from predators by patrolling the flower head.

ISBN: 0-9761601-6-1