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Helianthus resinosus

Previously known as:

  • Helianthus Tomentosus Michaux
Phonetic Spelling
hee-lee-AN-thus res-in-OH-sus
Description

Resinous Sunflower is an herbaceous perennial wildflower native to several southeastern states.  It nature, it can be found growing along roadsides, in pine woodlands, mixed hardwood forests, and thickets. Each stem can grow up to 8 feet in height and will produce 1 to 5 flower heads.  Each head has 10 to 20 yellow ray petals which are the outer larger petals and over 90 yellow disc flowers, which are the tiny innermost flowers. This sunflower is noted for the abundant yellow resin dots or glands on the leaves and flower heads.

This plant is native to North Carolina and prefers full sun to partial shade and soil of average moisture. However, it does tolerate dry soil and soils of most texture, including clay. It is self-seeding and you can easily expand your garden with this large perennial for years.  It will also multiply by underground suckers.  The suckers can be shared with other gardeners.  Once they have become established, a small trowel can be used to dig them up.  Pot them and give them time to establish a root system before replanting. Of course, the ease with which it spreads can make it a problem to keep under control.

This plant is sometimes mistakenly sold under the name Helianthus Tomentosus Michaux.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: 

No known diseases or insect pests. The plant can become invasive as it spreads through suckers.  

More information on Helianthus.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#drought tolerant#native perennials#herbaceous#NC native#herbaceous perennial#pollinator plant#poor soils tolerant#larval host plant#food source summer#food source fall#NC Native Pollinator Plant#food source herbage#food source nectar#food source pollen#food source hard mast fruit#butterfly friendly#Audubon#silvery checkerspot butterfly#perennial#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#drought tolerant#native perennials#herbaceous#NC native#herbaceous perennial#pollinator plant#poor soils tolerant#larval host plant#food source summer#food source fall#NC Native Pollinator Plant#food source herbage#food source nectar#food source pollen#food source hard mast fruit#butterfly friendly#Audubon#silvery checkerspot butterfly#perennial#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Helianthus
    Species:
    resinosus
    Family:
    Asteraceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Root Cutting
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Southeastern United States
    Distribution:
    AL, FL, GA, MS, NC, SC
    Wildlife Value:
    The seeds from the flower heads are a winter food source for birds and small mammals. Butterflies and bees are attracted to the many disc flowers. Flowers provide nectar to pollinators from July until the first frost. 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.
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Attracts Pollinators
    Buffer
    Colorful
    Textural
    Wildlife Food Source
    Dimensions:
    Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herb
    Native Plant
    Perennial
    Wildflower
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Achene
    Fruit Description:
    Displays from July to November.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Head
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Radial
    Flower Petals:
    7 - 20 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    > 6 inches
    Flower Description:
    Blooms from June to October with large, 6 inch heads with 10 to 20 petals and 90 or more small disc flowers in the center.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Papery
    Rough
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Description:
    The foliage is covered by stiff hairs inside small glands. The veined foliage is a deep green color and also stiff. Leaves are opposite on the lower portion of the stem and alternate above.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    The stems are unbranched below the flower.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn
    Naturalized Area
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Barrier
    Border
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Small Mammals
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Dry Soil