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Sawtooth Sunflower

Helianthus grosseserratus

A towering, magnificent sunflower of wet prairies and meadows, reaching up to ten feet tall. Features smooth purple stems and long, sharply-toothed leaves, crowned by clusters of large yellow blooms in late fall. Spreads strongly by rhizome—best for large meadows or restoration.

Family

Asteraceae

Type

wildflower

Lifespan

perennial

Height

5–5 ft

Spacing

3–5 ft apart

Light

sun

Soil moisture

moist

Soil pH

acidic, neutral

Bloom

August, September, October, November

Bloom colors

yellow

Wildlife value

songbirds, butterflies, larval host

Caterpillar hosts

~58 butterfly & moth species

Landscape uses

naturalizing, specimen

Native states

AR, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MN, MO, MS, NE, NY, OH, OK, PA, TX, VA, WI