Hairy Sunflower
Helianthus hirsutus
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © ccantley (iNaturalist #177893370)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Helianthus
- Species:
- Helianthus hirsutus
- USDA Symbol:
- HEHI2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep
- 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
Asymmetrura matutella, Dichomeris aleatrix, Dichomeris inserrata, Dichomeris vindex, Tischeria helianthi
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus), Common eastern (Bombus impatiens)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies, bees
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 10–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy; sow in spring after last frost.