Photo by: Mark Hutchinson, Hernando Chapter, FNPS
Photo by: Mark Hutchinson, Hernando Chapter, FNPS
Photo by: Mark Hutchinson, Hernando Chapter, FNPS
Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: John Bradford, Martin County Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Ginny Stibolt, Ixia Chapter FNPS
View more

Nomenclature

Common Name:

east coast dune sunflower

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Helianthus debilis subsp. debilis

Family:

Asteraceae (Compositae)

Plant Specifics

Form:

shrub

Size:

1.0 to 2.5 ft tall by 2.0 to 8.0 ft wide

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

yellow

Fruit Color:

Phenology:

Deciduous. Perennial but often short lived. Blooms most of the year in its natural range.

Noted For:

Showy Flowers, Interesting Foliage

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Ground cover in sandy, open environments.

Considerations:

Aggressively self-seeds, can be a nuisance in the wrong situation.

Availability:

Native Nurseries, FNPS Plant Sales, Seed

Propagation:

Self-seeds, seeds can easily be collected from deadheads. East coast dune sunflower can also be propagated using cuttings. Seeds are available through the Florida Wildflowers Growers Cooperative.

Light:

Full Sun

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry

Coming Soon!

Somewhat moist, no flooding ---to--- Very long very dry periods

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

High. Can tolerate significant and ongoing amounts of salt.

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand, Loam

Soil pH:

5.2 to 7.2

Suitable to Grow In:

8B,9A,9B,10A,10B,11

Ecology

Wildlife:

Pollinators, Butterflies, Birds, Mammals

Primarily pollinated by bees. 

Seeds eaten by birds and small mammals.  When full grown, provides a thicket for protection of small birds and animals.

Native Habitats:

Beach dunes, coastal grasslands, sandhill, and scrub

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

General Comments:

To avoid introgression with other H. debilis subspecies, do not grow them in a common garden.