Helianthus divaricatus: Woodland Sunflower

Latin name: Helianthus divaricatus
Common name: Woodland sunflower
Flowers: Yellow rays with darker yellow center disk¹²
Fruit: Not applicable¹⁰
Height & Width: 2-6’ x 1-3’¹²
Type: Herbaceous perennial¹⁰
Habit: Upright¹²
Wetland indicator category**: Not available¹⁷
Texture: Smooth¹²
Growth rate: Medium¹⁹
Light: Sun, part shade, shade¹⁰
Moisture: Dry to medium¹⁰
Soil*: Tolerates wide range of soil conditions¹²
Zones: 3-8¹²
Origin: Eastern North America¹⁶
Features: Woodland sunflower is a prolific bloomer from mid summer to late fall and attracts birds and butterflies¹². It also tolerates a wide variety of growing conditions, though it performs best in well-drained soil and part sun.¹²

Siting: Prefers well-drained to dry soils in part shade^{10, 12}. Often found on the edges of woodlands or other naturalized plantings^{10, 19}. Spreads by rhizomes to form colonies that may need to be divided every 3-4 years to control spread.¹⁰

Care: Plant crown at soil level¹⁸. At planting, water the roots and surrounding area slowly and deeply. Keep soil moist until plant is established, then apply enough water to thoroughly moisten the root zone when the soil is dry or during drought. Modify water recommendations to reflect site drainage and rainfall. Apply 3” of mulch over the planted area. Do not allow mulch to touch the plant stems^18.

Pests: Plants are relatively pest resistant if cultural preferences are met.

This plant does not appear on the following invasive plant lists on (10/21/12):

X USDA SC Invasive Plant Species Web site at http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/plants/main.shtml

X SC Exotic Plant Pest Council Web site at http://www.se-eppc.org/southcarolina/

Sources 1-18 found on Sources page