Helianthus microcephalus, commonly known as Small Woodland Sunflower, is a perennial herb native to the eastern United States, where it thrives in moist to dry open woodlands, forest clearings, and along the edges of fields and roads. It typically grows to a height of 2-5 feet (0.6-1.5 meters) with a spread of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). The plant features narrow, lance-shaped leaves and bears clusters of bright yellow flowers with dark centers from late summer to early fall, which are highly attractive to pollinators.

The Small Woodland Sunflower is valued for its low maintenance and ability to naturalize, making it an excellent choice for native plant gardens, informal borders, and wildlife habitats. It is particularly beneficial for supporting a variety of butterflies, including the American painted lady, painted lady, and spring azure. This species is adaptable to various soil types, though it prefers well-drained loam, and it can tolerate partial shade, although it flourishes in full sun. While generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions. It is also known to spread by rhizomes, which can be aggressive in garden settings, so some control measures may be necessary to keep it in check.CC BY-SA 4.0