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Hairy Sunflower

Helianthus hirsutus

A tough, drought-tolerant native sunflower of open woods, glades, and prairie edges, distinguished by its stiffly hairy stems and rough leaves. Produces classic golden-yellow daisy flowers from midsummer to fall, offering valuable late-season nectar and seed.

Family

Asteraceae

Type

wildflower

Lifespan

perennial

Height

2–4 ft

Spacing

2–3 ft apart

Light

sun, part shade

Soil moisture

moist

Soil pH

acidic, neutral

Bloom

August, September, October, November

Bloom colors

yellow, brown

Wildlife value

pollinators, butterflies, songbirds, larval host

Caterpillar hosts

~58 butterfly & moth species

Landscape uses

border, naturalizing

Native states

AL, AR, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, WI