The flowers are pure white. There is no fragrance. It reminds me of stock, because each flower has four flat petals. The seed husks become somewhat translucent when they dry. The foliage is a grey-green. When watered, they can grow to be about a foot and a half wide, very dense, and about two feet tall. If left to their own devices they are smaller and more scraggly, of course.

Thank you! I can't believe how quickly you answered my question! I am new to this forum and really appreciate your help. I knew this had to be something "wonderful" but my master gardner friends didn't see it as particularly special - perhaps because they were unfamiliar with it. Cheers!

you're right, ward, I found mine lying down on top of the hibiscus after the rains from dennis blew through here. I staked it with a broken shovel handle, which it promptly pulled to the ground, too. that plant is heavy. I put the handle back up and put a rock the size of a shoebox at the base of it, which is working. give this thing some swingin room, folks. ward, can you teach me how/when to collect seed from tithonia?

OMG, I loved every picture, IdaClaire!! Thank you so much for sharing. You're a talented photographer. As others suggested, I hope you make a keepsake book of your photos. Too often, we forget to PRINT our travel pictures and maybe it's just me but enjoying digital travel memories doesn't warm my heart that much. I'm so glad you enjoyed Manhattan and totally related to your solo discovery. One of my favourite lifetime experiences. Couldn't help but smile at your recollection of the honking drivers.