Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS

Nomenclature

Common Name:

sunflower

Synonym(s):

Helianthus atrorubens, Helianthus floridanus, Helianthus divaricatus Helianthus resinosus, Helianthus heterophyllus, Helianthus microcephalus, Helianthus strumosus, Helianthus hirsutus, Helianthus occidentalis

Genus species:

Helianthus spp.

Family:

Asteraceae (Compositae)

Plant Specifics

Form:

flower

Size:

ft

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

yellow

Fruit Color:

white

Phenology:

winter dormant

Noted For:

Showy Flowers

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Wildflower garden. Most species bloom best if in light shade or sun, though it does depend on species.

Considerations:

Availability:

Seed

Propagation:

Depending on species, division and/or seed. Seeds are available through the Florida Wildflowers Growers Cooperative for H. angustifolius, H. debilis and H. radula

Light:

Full Sun, Part Sun, Shade

Moisture Tolerance:

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

Coming Soon!

Usually moist, occasional inundation ---to--- Not wet but not extremely dry

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand

Soil pH:

Acidic to neutral

Suitable to Grow In:

Ecology

Wildlife:

Pollinators, Butterflies, Birds, Mammals

Bees and butterflies are attracted to sunflowers. The goldenrod soldier beetle (a.k.a. leatherwing beetle(,  Chauliognathus pensylvanicus is a goldenrod pollinator ( FL Wildflower Foundation ).

Birds love the seeds.

Native Habitats:

Flatwoods, woodlands, ruderal areas.

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

General Comments:

For best results, use species naturally found in your area