Helianthus radula

Common Names

Rayless Sunflower, Pineland Sunflower, Stiff Sunflower, Roundleaf Sunflower

Summary

Rayless sunflower, also known as pineland sunflower, is a native southeastern U.S. perennial herb forming a very low basal rosette with erect, densely hispid stems reaching 50–100 cm; basal leaves are opposite and obovate to orbicular, with cauline leaves smaller, and flower heads are usually solitary on long peduncles, ray florets absent (0–8) and disc florets numbering 100–150+, often with dark purple-black phyllaries.

Preferring full sun on sandy to loamy, well-drained soils, moisture ranges from usually moist with occasional inundation to not extremely dry, and salt tolerance is low or none; propagation is by seeds and it can be cultivated as an ornamental in native plant gardens; it attracts diverse pollinators and provides seeds for birds and small mammals, with bloom typically Aug–Oct.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1 ft 8 in – 3.5 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8a-9b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial shade.

Soil Type

Sandy or loamy, well-drained soils; slightly acidic (pH ~5.8–6.5).

Soil Drainage

Well-drained sandy or loamy soils.

Soil pH

5.8-6.5 (slightly acidic)

Bloom Color

Purple and brown

Bloom Time

Fall

Fall Foliage Color

Unknown

Growth Rate

Unknown

Seasons of Interest

Summer and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, vegetative propagation via rhizomes and crown buds (clonal spread)

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts butterflies, other pollinators, and birds