ox eye
Heliopsis helianthoides
RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size3 to 6 feet tall2 to 4 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Orange-yellow rays with brown center disks
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Ox eye (Heliopsis helianthoides) is a perennial for borders, cottage gardens, meadows, and pollinator gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to moist soil of most types. Deer and rabbits rarely make it their first choice. The sunflower-like heads have orange-yellow rays and brown centers. Unlike true sunflowers, its rays stay on the flower heads.
Pairs well with Standing Ovation little bluestem, Nodding onion, and Indian grass.
Native range
North America, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Québec, and 1 more places. See all 5
North America, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Québec, and Rhode I..