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The common blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata) belongs to the Asteraceae (the Aster family). It is a perennial herb that is native to north and central North America. It is also naturalized in scattered locations in Europe, Australia, and South America This herb grows in many habitats and up to a height of 30-90 cm in height. The leaves are dandelion-like lenceolate. The yellow flower-heads bloom atop of stems from July to September. The 2-3 cm long ray florets have yellow, 3-toothed tips and dark red bases and the disc florets are brownish or reddish purple. The fruit is a stout, hairy achene which may be over 1 cm long including the long, spiky pappus.
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