Common Name: little sunflower
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Native Range: Western United States
Zone: 3 to 8
Height: 3.00 to 4.00 feet
Spread: 2.00 to 2.50 feet
Bloom Time: July to September
Bloom Description: Yellow rays with darker yellow center
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Naturalize
Flower: Showy, Good Cut
Attracts: Birds, Butterflies
Culture
Best grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. May be grown from seed and may self-seed in the garden.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Helianthella quinquenervis, commonly called little sunflower, is native to aspen glades, moist meadows, slopes and open woods in the Rocky Mountains, Great Basin ranges and the Black Hills. It typically grows to 3-4' tall. Each sunflower (2-3" diameter) features clear yellow rays surrounding a slightly darker yellow center disc. Blooms appear from summer to early fall. Rough, pointed, narrow-lanceolate basal leaves (to 12") appear on long stems, which are sparsely leafed. Each leaf has up to five veins.
Synonymous with and formerly known as Helianthus quinquenervis.
Genus name is the diminutive of Helianthus to which it is closely related.
Specific epithet means five-nerved in reference to the leaf veins.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Sunny borders, cottage gardens, meadows, wild or native plant gardens and naturalized areas.