Thinleaf Sunflower
(Helianthus decapetalus)
Thinleaf Sunflower (Helianthus decapetalus)
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Dr. Nick V. Kurzenko
Public Domain
Image By:
Dr. Nick V. Kurzenko
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Dr. Nick V. Kurzenko | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/publicdomain/ | Attribution: 2004 Nick Kurzenko | Publisher: Calphotos | Notes: |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Helianthus decapetalus, commonly known as Thinleaf Sunflower, is a deciduous perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, floodplain forests, and riverbanks across the Eastern United States and Canada. It can grow to a height of 60 to 200 cm (2 to 7 ft) with a smooth slender stem that branches near the top. The plant is known for its bright yellow composite flowers that bloom in late summer or early fall, with each flowerhead consisting of 21 to 50 disk florets surrounded by eight to 12 ray florets that are 2.0 to 2.5 cm long. The flowers are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for wildlife gardens.
The Thinleaf Sunflower is valued for its low maintenance and ability to thrive in a range of soil conditions, from slow to fast drainage. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. This sunflower is often used in naturalistic plantings, borders, and as a part of pollinator gardens due to its ecological benefits and ornamental qualities. While generally disease-free, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions. It can also spread aggressively by rhizomes, so it may require management to keep it in check in smaller gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Thinleaf Sunflower is valued for its low maintenance and ability to thrive in a range of soil conditions, from slow to fast drainage. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. This sunflower is often used in naturalistic plantings, borders, and as a part of pollinator gardens due to its ecological benefits and ornamental qualities. While generally disease-free, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions. It can also spread aggressively by rhizomes, so it may require management to keep it in check in smaller gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 3-6 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands, forest edges, floodplain forests, and riverbanks
Other Names
Common Names: Thin-Leaved Sunflower, Ten-Petals Sunflower, Forest Sunflower, Roughleaf Sunflower, Stauden-Sonnenblume, Hélianthe À Dix Rayons, Gullsolros
Scientific Names: , Helianthus decapetalus, Helianthus multiflorus, Helianthus trachelifolius, Helianthus decapetalis, Helianthus prostratus, Helianthus frondosus, Helianthus tenuifolius, Viguiera prostrata, Helianthus decapetalus var. multiflorus
GBIF Accepted Name: Helianthus decapetalus L.