Heliopsis helianthoides

Product Info

Early Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides)
Aster Family

Early Sunflower is an easy to grow and long blooming wildflower that works well in meadow type plantings and in semi-shady woodlands. The golden-yellow flowers bloom for most of the summer and are replaced with seeds for birds and other small animals. Its long bloom time gives it a high pollinator value, with many types of insects feeding on the pollen and nectar as well as the stems, leaves, and seeds. Best form and flowering will occur in full sun and moist soils, but this plant is highly adaptive to most sun and soil conditions. Plants grown in more shade may need to be cut back for bushier growth if tidiness is an issue. Try planting with Royal Catchfly, Blazing-stars, tall grass species, Wild Bergamot, or Purple Coneflower.

Blooms: Yellow, 8-12 weeks, May-Sep
Leaves: Large, stiff, ovate leaves, paired oppositely up the stem
Height: 3-5’
Space: 2-3'
Soil: Average-Moist-Dry, tolerates moist soil condition
Exposure: Full sun-Part sun-Part shade
Fauna: Attractive to most insects, eat nectar & foliage
Seeds: Many flattened, dark colored seeds packed into round seed head
Deer Resistance: Medium
Zone: 3-9
Native Status: NC native, common in the Piedmont & Mountains, rare in the Sandhills
Provenance: Unknown ecotype, seed grown