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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.

Family
Asteraceae
Type
forb
Lifespan
perennial
Height
3–6 ft
Spacing
2–4 ft apart
Light
sun, part shade
Soil moisture
dry, moist
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, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV