woodland sunflower
Helianthus divaricatus
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size2 to 6 feet tall1 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Yellow rays with darker yellow center disk
- Foliage color
- Gold/yellow, green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Woodland sunflower (Helianthus divaricatus) is a perennial for woodland gardens, meadows, naturalized areas, and pollinator gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and dry to average, sandy or loamy soil. It sits low on the menu for deer. Yellow flowers with darker centers draw butterflies, bees, and birds. It grows fast and tolerates drought and salt.
Pairs well with Lanceleaf coreopsis, Indian grass, and Eastern columbine.
Native range
Eastern United States, Oklahoma, and Canada.