Helianthus salicifolius 'First Light'
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Tried and True Recommended by 4 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: willow-leaved sunflower
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Zone: 6 to 9
Garden Location: Lang Family Bird Garden
Height: 3 to 4 feet
Spread: 3 to 4 feet
Bloom Time: September to October
Bloom Description: Yellow rays with brown center disk
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Wildlife: Attracts Birds, Attracts Butterflies
Tolerates: Clay Soil, Deer

Culture

Easily grown in medium moisture, well-drained, average garden soils in full sun. Needs full sun for best flowering. Tolerates somewhat poorer soils that are on the dry side. Best planted in a sheltered location in the St. Louis area where it may not be reliably winter hardy. Any seeds produced by this cultivar will reportedly be sterile.

Noteworthy Characteristics

‘First Light’ is a perennial sunflower cultivar that produces a clump of foliage to 44” tall. Foliage is covered in fall (September–October) with a profuse bloom of 2.5-3” diameter sunflowers with golden yellow rays and brown center disks. Narrow, hairy, linear leaves (to 4” long). Parents of this patented cultivar are unpatented H. salicifolia (willow-leaved sunflower) cultivars ‘Golden Pyramid’ and ‘Autumn Glory’. An introduction of Blooms of Bressingham who have given it the common name of willow-leaved sunflower. U. S. Plant Patent #13,150 issued October 29, 2002.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Sunflowers are generally susceptible to rust, leaf fungal spots and powdery mildew. Caterpillars and beetles may chew on the foliage.

Garden Uses

Specimen or mass. Borders, cottage gardens or bird gardens.

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