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(Helianthus debilis)
Beach Sunflower (Helianthus debilis)
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James St. John
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
James St. John
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: James St. John | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0 | Uploader: Ser Amantio di Nicolao | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Helianthus_debilis_(dune_sunflower)_(Sanibel_Island,_Florida,_USA)_4_(24248952172).jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description ={{en|1=Location taken: Behnke Nurseries, Beltsville, MD USA. Names: Helleborus argutifolius Viv., Corsican Hellebore, Corsican Rose, Hellébore de Corse, Korsische Nies
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Helianthus debilis, commonly known as Beach Sunflower, is a semi-deciduous perennial herb, often grown as an annual in areas with freezing temperatures, native to coastal sand dunes and maritime grasslands along the Gulf Coast of the United States. It typically reaches a height of up to 2 meters and is characterized by its sprawling habit and hairy stems. The inflorescence consists of one to several flower heads, each with bright yellow ray florets surrounding a center of red, yellowish, or purplish disc florets. The flowering season extends from spring to fall, providing a long-lasting display of color. Beach Sunflower is particularly noted for its ability to thrive in challenging coastal environments.
Beach Sunflower is valued for its vibrant flowers, which attract butterflies and support local wildlife, as birds feed on the seeds. It is used in coastal landscaping for its erosion control properties, forming a dense groundcover that stabilizes sand dunes. This plant is also suitable for xeriscaping due to its high drought tolerance and ability to grow in nutrient-poor soils, including alkaline, acidic, and sandy conditions. In cultivation, it requires full sun and well-drained soil, with minimal water once established. While it is generally low-maintenance, it may appear unkempt after flowering and can be pruned to encourage new growth.CC BY-SA 4.0
Beach Sunflower is valued for its vibrant flowers, which attract butterflies and support local wildlife, as birds feed on the seeds. It is used in coastal landscaping for its erosion control properties, forming a dense groundcover that stabilizes sand dunes. This plant is also suitable for xeriscaping due to its high drought tolerance and ability to grow in nutrient-poor soils, including alkaline, acidic, and sandy conditions. In cultivation, it requires full sun and well-drained soil, with minimal water once established. While it is generally low-maintenance, it may appear unkempt after flowering and can be pruned to encourage new growth.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Semi-deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Coastal sand dunes and maritime grasslands
Other Names
Common Names: Cucumberleaf Sunflower , East Coast Dune Sunflower , Weak Sunflower , Schwache Sonnenblume , Miniatyrsolros , 애기해바라기
Scientific Names: Helianthus debilis , Helianthus debilis var. debilis , Helianthus debilis f. debilis
GBIF Accepted Name: Helianthus debilis Nutt.