Bright yellow flowers on leafless stems in late summer. Birds feast on the seed.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Western Sunflower
Helianthus occidentalis
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Prairie
Season of Interest: Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Yellow
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Photo: Mervin Wallace
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Soil
Moisture
Dry
Nature Attracting
Butterfly, Pollinators/Beneficial Insects
Wildlife Benefit
Food/Birds
Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
30 to
40
inches
Spread:
12 to
16
inches
Size
Height: 30 to
40
inches
Spread: 12 to
16
inches
Size
Height: 30 to
40
inches
Spread: 12 to
16
inches
Typical Landscape Use
This colony forming plant provides an excellent ground cover and is very effective for erosion control. Excellent seed source for finches. Use in native plant gardens, naturalized areas, prairies and meadows.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grow in average to dry soil. Spreads slowly by rhizomes.
Special Features
Special Usage
Ground Cover
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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What’s the Next Step?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.