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, rich, moist, 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 |
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 |