Hairy Sunflower
(Helianthus hirsutus)
Hairy Sunflower (Helianthus hirsutus)
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Jason Hollinger
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Jason Hollinger
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jason Hollinger | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: pellaea | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Helianthus hirsutus, commonly known as Hairy Sunflower, is a deciduous perennial herb native to open woodlands, grasslands, and prairies in the Central and Eastern USA and Northeastern Mexico. It can grow up to 200 cm (almost 7 feet) tall, spreading by means of underground rhizomes to form colonies. The plant is characterized by its stiff, hairy leaves and stems, which contribute to its common name. Each plant can produce 1–7 flower heads, each with 10–15 bright yellow ray florets encircling 40 or more yellow disc florets. The flowers bloom in summer and fall and are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
The Hairy Sunflower is valued for its vibrant yellow flowers and ability to attract wildlife. It is used in naturalistic plantings, prairie restorations, and as a border plant in gardens. This sunflower thrives in full sun and is adaptable to a range of soil types, from clay to sandy soils, provided they have adequate drainage. While it requires medium amounts of water, it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Gardeners should be aware that it can spread vigorously, potentially becoming aggressive in a garden setting.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Hairy Sunflower is valued for its vibrant yellow flowers and ability to attract wildlife. It is used in naturalistic plantings, prairie restorations, and as a border plant in gardens. This sunflower thrives in full sun and is adaptable to a range of soil types, from clay to sandy soils, provided they have adequate drainage. While it requires medium amounts of water, it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Gardeners should be aware that it can spread vigorously, potentially becoming aggressive in a garden setting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1.6-5 feet
- Width: 0.3-1 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, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands, grasslands, and prairies
Other Names
Common Names: Bristly Sunflower, Rough Sunflower
Scientific Names: , Helianthus hirsutus, Helianthus hirsutus var. trachyphyllus, Helianthus hirsutus var. stenophyllus, Helianthus hirsutus var. hirsutus, Helianthus stenophyllus, Helianthus leoninus, Helianthus decapetalus f. decapetalus, Helianthus decapetalus var. decapetalus, Helianthus diversifolius
GBIF Accepted Name: Helianthus hirsutus Raf.