Southeastern Sunflower

Helianthus agrestis

Southeastern Sunflower

(c) Jay Horn, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Helianthus
Species:
Helianthus agrestis

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
6-8 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
aug, sep, oct, nov
Bloom Colors:
Red, Yellow, Purple

Native Range

United States: Florida, Georgia

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Bee Keystone:
★☆☆☆☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Bucculatrix needhami

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to sandy soils of southeastern U.S.