Asteraceae

woodland sunflower

Helianthus divaricatus

Synonyms

Helianthus divaricatus var. angustifolius
Helianthus divaricatus var. divaricatus

Plant Type

Herbaceous Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

5-7 ft. tall
1-3 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Drought

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed

Plant Propagation Notes

Seeds should be cold moist stratified for 3-4 weeks.

Plant Planting Notes

Provide up to 3 ft spacing.

Plants/Diseases

No significant disease or pest issues.

Wildlife Benefits

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

Leaves

Leaves opposite, lanceolate to ovate with serrate margins.

Flowers

Heads with 8-15 yellow ray flowers and slightly darker disc flowers.

Fruit

Achene.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Dry, Medium

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Woodlands, forests, and forest edges with xeric to mesic soil.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Rare in the South Carolina coastal plain and sandhills. Common in the piedmont and mountains.