Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Asteraceae

Genus:

Helianthus

Species:

Helianthus ciliaris

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

2-3 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

jun, jul, aug, sep, oct

Bloom Colors:

Yellow

Native Range

United States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Washington

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

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to arid and semi-arid regions