Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Asteraceae

Genus:

Helianthus

Species:

Helianthus angustifolius

USDA Symbol:

HEAN2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

183 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

sep,oct,nov

Bloom Colors:

yellow

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★★☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:

★★★★★ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Reported Fauna Sightings

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, butterflies, bees

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from root crown after fire; benefits from periodic fire to reduce competition.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

moist, sandy, well-drained soil

pH:

5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers wetland margins and moist prairies

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy; sow in spring after last frost.

Where to Buy

Nationwide Seller

• Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)
• Sheffield's Seed (seeds)
• Native Plants Nursery (nursery)
• Native American Seed (nursery and seeds)