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Helianthus strumosus (Woodland Sunflower)

Woodland Sunflower, Paleleaf Woodland Sunflower, Paleleaf Sunflower, Helianthus montanus, Helianthus saxicola

Helianthus strumosus, Woodland Sunflower, Paleleaf Woodland Sunflower, Paleleaf Sunflower, Helianthus montanus, Helianthus saxicola, Yellow Flowers, Yellow Perennials

Helianthus strumosus (Woodland Sunflower) is a showy perennial with narrow, oval leaves, white underneath, and a profusion of yellow flowers, 2-4 in. across (5-10 cm), each adorned with up to 8-20 yellow rays and a yellow center disk. They are held in loose clusters of 3-15 blossoms at the branch tips and are borne on stout, erect, smooth stems. Blooming from mid-summer to fall, they are particularly attractive to birds as they love to eat the seeds directly from the seedheads. Perfect for adding late-season color in partly shaded borders and naturalized areas.

  • Typically grows up to 3-5 ft. tall (90-150 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm). Will spread by underground rhizomes and can spread rapidly.
  • Prefers full sun or part shade in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. However, this plant is not too fussy about soils and tolerates a wide range of conditions. Performs best with a few hours of direct sunlight each day. Drought tolerant.
  • Low maintenance, this is an excellent choice for sunny borders, cottage gardens, bird or butterfly gardens, wildflower gardens, prairies, and meadows.
  • Attractive to birds and butterflies, it is deer and rabbit resistant.
  • Native throughout Eastern North America from Quebec down to Florida

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.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Helianthus
Common names Woodland Sunflower, Sunflower
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 3' - 5'
(90cm - 150cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maryland, Vermont, Maine, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast, Midwest, Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Ohio, Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, Arkansas, Mississippi, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil, Clay Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
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Helianthus (Sunflower)
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Helianthus annuus ProCut® White Nite (Common Sunflower)
Helianthus annuus ProCut® Red (Common Sunflower)
Helianthus annuus ‘Sunrich Summer Provence’ (Common Sunflower)
Helianthus annuus ‘Sunrich Gold’ (Common Sunflower)
Helianthus annuus ‘Sunny Smile’ (Common Sunflower)
Helianthus annuus ‘Velvet Queen’ (Common Sunflower)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

How to Choose the Perfect Sunflower for Your garden and Pots
10 Reasons Why You Should Grow Sunflowers in Your Garden
Companion Planting With Annuals
Edible Flowers: 16 Varieties to Beautify Your Garden and Plate
Best Annual Flowers For Your Vegetable Garden
Best Annual Flowers and Plants for Full Sun
Learn How To Plant, Care and Grow Gorgeous Sunflowers
39 Most Beautiful Sunflower Types for Your Garden
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Helianthus
Common names Woodland Sunflower, Sunflower
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 3' - 5'
(90cm - 150cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maryland, Vermont, Maine, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast, Midwest, Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Ohio, Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, Arkansas, Mississippi, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil, Clay Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Helianthus (Sunflower)
Not sure which Helianthus (Sunflower) to pick?
Compare Now

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