stiff sunflower

Helianthus pauciflorus

Botanical drawing of stiff goldenrod from USDA database

Description:

Stiff sunflower forms dense colonies by rhizomes whose primary roots extend more than 7 feet long. It has a compound flower with 10-25 bright yellow primary pedals. Most leaves are concentrated in the lower half of the stems.

Seed heads are an excellent source of food for birds, especially finches during winter months. Flowers are an excellent source of summer and early fall food for pollinators.

This sun loving plant grows well in dry and mesic soils but is hot suited for shade locations or poorly drained soils.

Details:

References:

  1. USDA Plants Database
  2. WisFlora Database
  3. ATLAS of the WISCONSIN PRAIRIE and SAVANNA FLORA, page 108.
  4. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Database
  5. Minnesota Wildflowers

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