FNPS Plant Database

Helianthus debilis subsp. debilis

east coast dune sunflower
  • 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

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

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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

USDA zones are based on the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature.

Don't know your zone? Click here to search by zip code.

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.

Citations:

Gann, G.D., C.J. Abbott, C.G. Stocking, K.N. Hines, and collaborators. (2001+). East Coast dune sunflower. Natives For Your Neighborhood. ( https://www.regionalconservation.org/beta/nfyn/plantdetail.asp?tx=Helidebidebi ). Accessed 2026. The Institute for Regional Conservation. Delray Beach, Florida.


Huegel, Craig N. (2012). Native Wildflowers and Other Ground Covers for Florida Landscapes. University Press of Florida, Gainesville.


Nelson, Gil. (2003). Florida's Best Landscape Plants: 200 Readily Available Species for Homeowners and Professionals. University Press of Florida, Gainesville.


Traas, Pamela. (2001). Gardening for Florida's Butterflies. Great Outdoors Publishing Co., St. Petersburg, FL.


Osorio, Rufino. (2001). A Gardener's Guide to Florida's Native Plants. University Press of Florida, Gainesville.


Wunderlin, R. P., B. F. Hansen, A. R. Franck, and F. B. Essig. (1999+). Atlas of Florida Plants. ( https://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/ ). [S. M. Landry and K. N. Campbell (application development), USF Water Institute.] Institute for Systematic Botany, University of South Florida, Tampa.

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