fewleaf sunflower
Helianthus occidentalis
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size2 to 4 feet tall18 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Orange-yellow rays and yellow disks
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Fewleaf sunflower (Helianthus occidentalis) is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, and meadows. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist soil of most types. Orange-yellow rays surround yellow disks in early to late summer and again in early to late autumn, and butterflies, bees, and birds visit the blooms. It sits low on the menu for deer.
Pairs well with Pale purple coneflower, Aromatic aster, and Sedge.
Native range
Central and eastern United States.