Alphabetical Plant Listing

Helianthus grosseserratus (Sawtooth Sunflower)

Sawtooth Sunflower, Helianthus grosseserratus ssp. maximus, Helianthus grosseserratus var. hypoleucus, Helianthus instabilis


Helianthus grosseserratus (Sawtooth Sunflower) is a showy perennial with tall and sturdy, reddish or reddish-purple stems, branching along the upper half of the plant. They are topped by a profusion of brilliant flowers, 4 in. across (10 cm), held in loose clusters from late summer to late fall. They are attractive to honeybees and bumblebees, but also to gamebirds or songbirds as they love to eat the seeds. Notwithstanding its common name, the lance-shaped leaves, up to 8 in. long (20 cm), are often toothless or only slightly serrated. Sawtooth Sunflower spreads quickly via its rhizomatous root system. It is perfect for naturalized areas where it can form showy colonies.

  • Typically grows up to 5-10 ft. tall (150-300 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
  • Prefers full sun in acidic or neutral, richmoist, well-drained soils. May need staking, particularly if grown in exposed locations.
  • Low maintenance, this is an excellent choice for wildflower gardens, prairies and meadows.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. May be affected by powdery mildew if the soil is too wet.
  • Easily propagated from seed sowed outdoors in fall. May also be propagated by root division in fall, or basal cuttings in spring.
  • Native to eastern North America

Learn How To Plant, Care and Grow Gorgeous Sunflowers

Cherished for their beauty, Sunflowers (Helianthus) are striking ornamental annuals or perennial plants grown for their colorful summer and fall blooms. Fast-growing, they can reward you with glamorous blooms between 55 and 100 days after planting. Here are some basic rules that need to be followed to enjoy their splendid flowers.Read More

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Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Helianthus - Sunflowers
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)
Fall
Height 5' – 10' (150cm – 3m)
Spread 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spacing 24" – 36" (60cm – 90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Southeast, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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By Cora Merg / Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Helianthus - Sunflowers
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)
Fall
Height 5' – 10' (150cm – 3m)
Spread 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spacing 24" – 36" (60cm – 90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Southeast, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Helianthus - Sunflowers

Guides with Helianthus - Sunflowers

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