Mexican Sunflower

Description:

Tithonia diversifolia is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family that is commonly known as the tree marigold, Mexican tournesol, Mexican sunflower, Japanese sunflower or Nitobe chrysanthemum. It is native to eastern Mexico and Central America but has a nearly pantropical distribution as an introduced species.[1] Depending on the area they may be either annual or perennial, 2–3 m (6.6–9.8 ft) in height with upright and sometimes ligneous stalks in the form of woody shrubs. The flowers are orange. This spotting: Gorgeous red-orange flower on 3-4 ' tall stem.

Habitat:

It is native to eastern Mexico and Central America but has a nearly pantropical distribution as an introduced species.[1]

Notes:

This one was growing on creek bank near residences near Concord Covered Bridge in Smyrna GA. Could be wild or could be cultivated.