Helianthus debilis subsp. debilis

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East Coast Dune Sunflower

Asteraceae (Compositae)

Plant Specifics

Form:Shrub
Size:1.0 to 2.5 ft tall by 2.0 to 8.0 ft wide
Life Span:Short-lived perennial
Flower Color:Yellow
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.
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.
Availability:Native nurseries, FNPS plant sales, Seed
Light: Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance:
always floodedextremely dry
 (Somewhat moist, no flooding ----- to ----- Very long very dry periods)
Moisture Tolerance: Somewhat moist, no flooding ----- to ----- Very long very dry periods
Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water.
Salt Spray/ Salty Soil Tolerance:High. Can tolerate significant and ongoing amounts of salty wind and salt spray without injury.
Soil or other substrate:Loam, Sand
Soil pH:5.2 to 7.2

Ecology

Wildlife:
  

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

Insects:
  

Primarily pollinated by bees. 

Native Habitats:Beach dunes, coastal grasslands, sandhill, and scrub

Distribution and Planting Zones

Natural Range in Florida
USDA Zones

Suitable to grow in:
10A 10B 11 8B 9A 9B 

USDA zones are based on minimum winter temperatures

Comments

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