Dark Red Sunflower Helianthus atrorubens

The Appalachian sunflower is a clumping, rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial, native from New Jersey to the Southeastern United States. This wildflower is typically found in woodlands or along roadside banks of dry, rocky, sandy, or clay soils. It is commonly found in the Piedmont and most of the Coastal Plains of North Carolina; however, it is rarely seen in the northeastern Coastal Plains or in the northern mountains. This species grows from 3 to 5 feet tall with an erect stem of mostly basal foliage, and has small clusters of daisy-like flowers with yellow petals and a dark brownish-purple center disk. It is a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae). The specific epithet, atrorubens, is derived from the Latin words ater, meaning dark, and rubra, meaning red.

This plant prefers full sun and tolerates partial shade. It thrives in moist, well-drained, sandy, rocky, or clay soils with alkaline to neutral pH. Drought and dry soil-tolerant once the plant is established. To prolong the blooming season, deadhead the spent blooms. As the plant begins to fade and die back in the fall, cut the plant back to ground level. It is best propagated by seeds or division. 

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The plant has a clumping habit and an erect, rough, hairy greenish to purple stems. Its green leaves are mostly basal, while the mid and upper stem leaves are smaller and fewer. It has small clusters of flowers. Each flower measures 2 to 3 inches wide with yellow petal rays and a brownish-purple center disk of tubular florets. This species is easily identified in the wild; its stem has only a few leaves, and the flower has a brownish-purple center disk.

This low-maintenance plant excels in open woodland gardens, cottage gardens, and mixed perennial beds, attracting bees and butterflies. The woodland birds will enjoy collecting their seeds..  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious insect or disease problems. Monitor for slugs and snails. May be susceptible to powdery mildew and white mold. May require staking to support the flowers and stems.  

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