Helianthus divaricatus

Common Names

Woodland Sunflower, Sunflower, Rough Sunflower

Summary

Helianthus divaricatus, commonly woodland sunflower, is a native herbaceous perennial of eastern North America. It grows 2–6 ft tall and 1–3 ft wide on erect stems with opposite sessile lanceolate leaves, and bears 1–10 flower heads per plant, each with 8–15 yellow ray florets surrounding a darker yellow center disk, blooming from July through September. A rhizomatous grower that spreads to form colonies, it occurs in dry open woodlands and thickets, and its showy yellow flowers attract bees and butterflies while seeds feed birds and small mammals.

It tolerates average, dry-to-medium, well-drained soil and grows best in partial shade, though a range of light conditions is tolerated. To maintain vigor and limit spread, divide every 3–4 years as it forms vigorous colonies via creeping rhizomes. It is deer resistant and valued for wildlife-friendly landscaping, naturalized plantings, and cut flowers, making it suitable for native/pollinator gardens, cottage or meadow plantings, and partially shaded borders in USDA zones 3–8.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

24-72 inches

Spread

1-3 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full Sun. Tolerates partial sun, partial shade, and full shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

6.0-8.0

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Summer to Fall

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Rapid

Seasons of Interest

Summer and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds