Clusters of 2 in. wide, medium yellow sunflowers with dark brown centers bloom on whitish green stems. The narrow, drooping, willowlike pale green leaves are very distinctive. Blooms in late summer or early fall but the graceful foliage provides interest all through the growing season. Spreads over time to form dense colonies. Good cut flower. Can become large and gangly in rich soils; Do not fertilize.

Willow-leaved sunflower at Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Stillwell Prairie. Photo: Carol Davit.