Heliopsis helianthoides
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Tried and True Recommended by 4 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: oxeye sunflower
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Zone: 3 to 9
Native Range: Ontario to Florida and Mississippi
Garden Location: Christopher Biraben Butterfly Meadow, Lucy and Stanley Lopata Prairie Garden
Height: 3 to 6 feet
Spread: 2 to 4 feet
Bloom Time: June to August
Bloom Color: Orange, Yellow
Bloom Description: Orange-yellow rays with brown center disks
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Wildlife: Attracts Butterflies
Tolerates: Clay Soil, Dry Soil, Shallow, Rocky Soil, Drought
Uses: Cut Flower, Erosion Control

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates drought, but does better if regularly watered. Tolerates wide range of soils, including poor ones. Tolerates some light shade, but plants grown in too much shade tend to require support. Remove spent flowers to extend the blooming season.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Oxeye is a clump-forming, upright, Missouri native perennial which occurs in open or rocky woods, thickets, prairies and along railroads throughout Missouri, except for the southeast lowlands. Typically grows 3-6' tall. Features daisy-like flowers (2-3" diameter) with yellow-orange rays and brown center disks atop stiff stems. Rough, serrate, medium green leaves (to 5" long). This species is a somewhat weedy plant that is less floriferous (and therefore less desirable as a garden plant) than the cultivars available (see H. 'Ballerina' and H. 'Summer Sun'). Lengthy summer to early fall bloom. Heliopsis is both similar in appearance to and closely related to Helianthus, the true sunflower. Good fresh cut flower.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to aphids. Taller plants may need staking or other support.

Garden Uses

Provides long summer bloom for the perennial border or cutting garden. Also effective in a native plant or wild garden or as part of a naturalized planting or prairie area.

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