Thinleaf Sunflower
Helianthus decapetalus
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Helianthus
- Species:
- Helianthus decapetalus
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 6-8 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov
- Bloom Colors:
- Yellow
Native Range
United States: Alabama, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Canada: New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec
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 fusicola, corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), Eucosma sombreana, Giant leopard moth (Hypercompe scribonia), juniper pug (Eupithecia pusillata), Omiodes Leafroller (Omiodes simialis), Rigid Borer Moth (Papaipema rigida), Suleima cinerodorsana, Charidryas gorgone, orange oakleaf (Charidryas nycteis)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage preferred
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers fertile soils in woodland areas