Plant DetailShow Menu

Helianthus divaricatus

Phonetic Spelling
hee-lee-AN-thus dy-vair-ih-KAY-tus
Description

Woodland Sunflower, is a native herbaceous perennial in the aster family that can grow 5 to 7 feet tall. It is native to eastern and central North America and is found in all areas of NC in rocky or sandy woodlands and dry open sites. The leaves are opposite with a smooth to slightly toothed margin and hairy underside. The leaves often have no stem. Large, yellow flowers first mature in early summer and continue into early fall.

Woodland Sunflower is easy to grow in average well-drained soils in partial shade. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types. Use in the native/pollinator garden, naturalized area or woodland garden. It is drought tolerant once established. It is a high-value wildlife plant.

Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems:  Taller plants may need staking.

 

More information on Helianthus.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#drought tolerant#nectar plant#low maintenance#specialized bees#fire medium flammability#NC native#deer resistant#pollinator plant#native wildflower#larval host plant#food source fall#bird friendly#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#silvery checkerspot butterfly#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#drought tolerant#nectar plant#low maintenance#specialized bees#fire medium flammability#NC native#deer resistant#pollinator plant#native wildflower#larval host plant#food source fall#bird friendly#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#silvery checkerspot butterfly#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Helianthus
    Species:
    divaricatus
    Family:
    Asteraceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Eastern and central North America
    Distribution:
    AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MO , MS , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , VA , VT , WI , WV
    Fire Risk Rating:
    medium flammability
    Wildlife Value:
    This is a larval host plant that supports Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis). The Silvery Checkerspot has at least 1-2 broods in the north from June-July in the deep south and Texas, they have as many as 3-4 broods from May through September. The flowers are attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. Its seeds are favored by songbirds, ruffed grouse, quail, mourning doves, and small mammals. Leave standing dead flowers into the winter as natural bird feeders. Members of the genus Helianthus support the following specialized bees: Andrena (Callandrena s.l.) accepta, Andrena (Callandrena s.l.) aliciae, Andrena (Callandrena s.l.) helianthi, Melissodes (Eumelissodes) agilis, Dieunomia (Dieunomia) heteropoda, Megachile (Sayapis) pugnata, and Paranthidium (Paranthidium) jugatorium.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 7 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herb
    Native Plant
    Perennial
    Wildflower
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Shallow Rocky
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Dry
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Black
    Brown/Copper
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Achene
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Head
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Radial
    Flower Petals:
    7 - 20 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Flowers have bright 8-15 yellow rays and slightly darker yellow center disks. The flowers have 8-15 petals and rigid stems. Bloom in late summer.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Leaves are opposite with a smooth to slightly toothed (shallow serrate) margin and hairy underside. The leaves often have no stem and are broadest at the base.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    The stem is rough to the touch.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Cutting Garden
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Mass Planting
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Songbirds
    Specialized Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Dry Soil