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Paleleaf Sunflower

Helianthus strumosus

Paleleaf sunflower is a tall, adaptable woodland sunflower with pale-backed leaves and cheerful yellow blooms, spreading by rhizome at forest edges. A robust nectar-and-seed source for shadier sites. The root has likely been used like Jerusalem artichoke, though specifics are thin.

Family

Asteraceae

Type

wildflower

Lifespan

perennial

Height

3–6 ft

Spacing

2–4 ft apart

Light

sun, part shade, shade

Soil moisture

dry

Soil pH

neutral, acidic

Bloom

July, August, September

Bloom colors

yellow

Wildlife value

pollinators, songbirds, butterflies, larval host

Caterpillar hosts

~58 butterfly & moth species

Landscape uses

erosion control, naturalizing

Native states

AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV