Species PlantsWoodland Sunflower

Woodland Sunflower

Helianthus divaricatus

CommonPlant
Illustration of Woodland Sunflower (Helianthus divaricatus)

Woodland Sunflower is a native perennial sunflower adapted to the partial shade of open woodlands and forest edges, growing 2–5 feet tall. Unlike most sunflowers, it thrives with less than full sun and spreads by rhizomes to form colonies. The opposite leaves are rough-textured and sandpapery. It blooms in summer with 2–3 inch yellow flowers and is one of the few sunflowers that performs well in dappled woodland settings.

Habitat
Found in open woodlands, forest edges, and dry shaded slopes across eastern North America.
Diet
Provides nectar for specialist sunflower bees and other native bees; seeds eaten by birds.
How common
Common

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