Helianthus pauciflorus (Stiff Sunflower)
Stiff Sunflower, Prairie Sunflower, Helianthus rigidus, Helianthus laetiflorus
Helianthus pauciflorus (Stiff Sunflower) is an upright, rhizomatous perennial with rigid and hairy, green or reddish stems clad with lanceolate to ovate, grayish-green leaves, often folded lengthwise. A profusion of brilliant yellow flowers, 2-4 in. across (5-10 cm) are produced from early summer to fall. Each flower features up to 10-25 bright yellow rays surrounding a purplish brown central disk. In dry weather, the petals fold up lengthwise or become twisted. A valuable plant for bees, butterflies and birds, Stiff Sunflower can spread aggressively by rhizomes to form colonies. Found in dry or drying prairies, roadsides, and open woods, Stiff Sunflower is a delight in large perennial gardens and wildflower meadows. It is not suited to the small perennial border as it needs room to spread.
- Typically grows up to 2-6 ft. tall (60-180 cm).
- Prefers full sun in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established.
- Excellent choice for cottage gardens, butterfly gardens, wildflower gardens, prairies and meadows.
- No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant.
- Native to 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
– 7 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Helianthus - Sunflowers |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 2' – 6' (60cm – 180cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 12" – 18" (30cm – 45cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Southeast, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Justin Meissen, Frank Mayfield, Flickr, NobleNature, 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
– 7 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Helianthus - Sunflowers |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 2' – 6' (60cm – 180cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 12" – 18" (30cm – 45cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Southeast, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |