narrowleaf sunflower

Plant Type

Herbaceous Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

3-8 ft. tall

Tolerant of

Deer, Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Dry Soil

Propagation

By seed

Plant Planting Notes

24′ spacing.

Plants/Diseases

Rust, leaf fungal spots, and powdery mildew are somewhat common.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Leaves may be opposite or alternate, lacking a petiole, narrowly lanceolate to linear. Up to 6 inches long and less than 1 inch wide.

Flowers

Bright golden yellow flower heads with 10-20 rays and 75+ disc flowers. Each head 1-3 inches wide.

Fruit

Achene. One by 1 inch.

Bark

Stems green to purple/lavender and pubescent.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

pine savannas, ditches, marshes, other wet habitats.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common in the SC Coastal Plain, uncommon in the Piedmont, and rare in the Mountains