Forest Sunflower

Helianthus decapetalus (hee-lee-AN-thus de-kap-UH-tal-us)

Family: Asteraceae Native Herbaceous

The ten-petaled sunflower is a rhizomatous perennial wildflower in the daisy family (Asteraceae) and is native to eastern Canada and the eastern and central United States. It is typically found in woodlands, forest borders, meadows, and slightly shaded areas along rivers, roadsides, and thickets. In North Carolina, this plant is typically found in the Mountains and Piedmont. It is rarely found in the Coastal Plains, although it is known to exist in Greene and Pitt Counties. It grows erect, 3 to 5 feet tall, with a light green stem and large dark green, thin, flexible, lanceolate to ovate leaves. Yellow flowerheads appear at the terminal end of the stem and are up to 3 inches in diameter. The flowers have 8 to 12 bright yellow petal-rays with a central disk of numerous yellow, tubular, disk florets. Blooms appear from July through October. The specific epithet, decapetalus , is derived from Greek, meaning ten-petaled. This easy-to-grow plant prefers full sun, partial shade, or dappled shade. It will tolerate a variety of soil types as long as they are moist, fertile, well-drained soils with a neutral pH. This perennial is winter hardy in zones 4 through 9. Strong winds may damage the stems; best planted in a sheltered location. Propagation by seeds in the spring and division in the fall. This plant can spread aggressively via its rhizomes. The ten-petaled sunflower is a high-value plant for wildlife, providing food for pollinators, birds, and mammals. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Many birds and small mammals enjoy eating the seeds from the seedheads. This attractive plant will add color in the landscape and can be used in a naturalized area, woodland edge, or meadow. Great for naturalizing. Consider for use in a cottage, butterfly, or wildflower garden. Quick ID Hints: Large and narrow leaves The leaf margins have long and pointed teeth The leaf tips are usually long and slender The floral bracts are long and slender 8 to 12 yellow petal-rays and more than 40 yellow tubular disk florets Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant insect or disease problems. May be susceptible to powdery mildew. Rabbits and deer like to browse the plant. Click here to see a calendar of planting schedules, time-to-harvest, and recommended spacing. More information on Helianthus .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 57 attributes.