Helianthus hirsutus

Common Names

Hairy Sunflower, Whiskered Sunflower, Stiff-Haired Sunflower, Rough Sunflower, Oblong Sunflower

Summary

Hairy Sunflower is a native North American perennial forb in the Asteraceae that rises 0.6–2 m tall from long rhizomes, with erect, hairy stems and opposite lanceolate leaves 6.5–18 cm long and 1–8 cm wide that are three-nerved from the base. Flower heads occur 1–7 per plant on short peduncles, each head with 10–15 yellow ray florets surrounding numerous yellow disk florets; the hemispheric involucre hosts 18–25 phyllaries, and bloom occurs in late summer to fall. The species forms colonies via rhizomes and is found in dry, open sites such as woodland edges and roadsides across Ontario and much of the eastern and southern United States into Mexico.

Preferring full sun to dry conditions, it tolerates dry to mesic soils and can spread aggressively via long rhizomes, forming dense colonies that may be unsuitable for small gardens but useful for large-scale plantings or erosion control. It provides nectar and pollen for a wide range of pollinators, and seeds feed birds; propagation can occur by seeds sown in spring or by division in early spring or fall. This species supports wildlife and offers ground cover in naturalistic landscapes along roadsides or woodland edges.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-6.5 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun to Partial Sun, tolerates Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Dry, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Dry, well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.5-6.5, acidic to neutral soils

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Fall

Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slowly spreading.

Seasons of Interest

Summer and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds