Fewleaf Sunflower
Helianthus occidentalis
- Native to:
- United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © tedleeeubanksjr (iNaturalist #169693479)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Helianthus
- Species:
- Helianthus occidentalis
- USDA Symbol:
- HEOC2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★★★★★ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
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)
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 occasional fire to reduce competition.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers open, sunny areas with poor soil
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold moist stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.
Pre-treatment: Mix seed with equal amounts of vermiculite and lightly dampen in a plastic bag or container. Store this seed for 3-4 months in a cold room of 34-36 degrees F.
Establishment: Seed is collected by hand from nursery stock. The plant flowers most of May and June. Seed is harvested in the beginning of August.
Source: npn.rngr.net
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)
- Pizzo Native Plant Nursery (wholesale nursery)