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.
| Hardiness |
3 - 7 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Compositae |
| Genus | Helianthus |
| Common names | Sunflower |
| 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 - 50cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Native Plants | United States, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Southwest, Rocky Mountains, Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, Illinois, North Dakota, Nebraska, Michigan, Missouri, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Indiana, Wisconsin, Kansas, West Virginia, Virginia, Georgia, Arkansas, Kentucky, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer |
| Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
| Hardiness |
3 - 7 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Compositae |
| Genus | Helianthus |
| Common names | Sunflower |
| 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 - 50cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Native Plants | United States, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Southwest, Rocky Mountains, Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, Illinois, North Dakota, Nebraska, Michigan, Missouri, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Indiana, Wisconsin, Kansas, West Virginia, Virginia, Georgia, Arkansas, Kentucky, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer |
| Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
How many Helianthus pauciflorus (Stiff Sunflower) do I need for my garden?
| Plant | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|
| Helianthus pauciflorus (Stiff Sunflower) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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