Helianthus nuttallii (Nuttall’s Sunflower)

One of the last sunflowers to bloom, Helianthus nuttallii (Nuttall’s Sunflower) is a showy perennial forming a clump of tall and sturdy, green to yellowish or sometimes purplish stems. They boast a profusion of brilliant golden-yellow flowers, 3-4 in. across (7-10 cm), from fall to frost. Each flower features 10-20 yellow rays surrounding a darker center disk. They are an important nectar source for fall migrating monarch butterflies and other pollinators, including bees and moths. Birds, especially Goldfinches, love the small seeds. Opposite on the lower part of the stem, the leaves are alternate higher up, narrowly lanceolate, 2-8 in. long (5-20 cm). Their upper surface is hairless, while their lower surface is rough from short, stiff hairs. Found in moist to wet prairies, meadows, or open spaces, Nuttall’s Sunflower spreads quickly by short but shallow rhizomes, so it is easy to dig out unwanted plants. It is a good choice for a native or pollinator garden, a naturalized area. It is suitable for rain gardens or along streams and ponds. Use as a specimen plant or massed. Give it room to spread, and you will enjoy a profusion of late-season flowers when little else is blooming.

• Typically grows up to 3-8 ft. tall (90-240 cm). May need staking, particularly if grown in exposed locations.
• Performs best in full sun in moist to occasionally wet, well-drained soils. Prefers loamy or clay soils. Grows poorly in sandy soils.
• Low maintenance, this is an excellent choice for wildflower gardens, prairies, meadows, butterfly gardens, along ponds and streams.
• Propagated by seed.
• Native to northern, central, and western North America.