Editing Callistephus (section)

==Description==
This is an [[annual plant|annual]] or [[biennial plant]] with one erect, mostly unbranched stem growing {{cvt|20-100|cm|in|abbr=on}} tall. The alternately arranged leaves vary in shape or size. The basal leaves usually fall away before flowering. Leaves around the middle of the stem are a few centimeters long and are borne on winged [[petiole (botany)|petioles]]. The blades have serrated edges. Leaves toward the top may have smooth edges. The large solitary [[pseudanthium|flower head]] grows at the top of the stem and sometimes on branches. The head is lined with layers of [[bract|phyllaries]], those in the outer layer large and leaflike, measuring up to 3 centimeters long. The inner layer can be purple-tinged. The head contains one or two rings of ray florets, most often in shades of reddish purple.<ref>Li, H., T. Liu, T. Huang, T. Koyama and CE DeVol. 1979. Vascular Plants. Volume 6: 665 pp. In Fl. Taiwan. Epoch Publishing Co., Ltd., Taipei.</ref> The flowering period is from August to October in the northern hemisphere.<ref name=grin/>