Plant Names
Helianthus divaricatus
Woodland Sunflower
Hélianthe à feuilles étalées
Synonyms
divergent sunflower
hélianthe divariqué
Plant Characteristics
Bloom Colour: Yellow
Bloom Period: Jul - Sep
Max Height: 4.0 feet
Max Width: 3.0 feet (spreads by rhizome)
Light Condition:
Less than 2 or 3 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Tolerates dry soil condition
Tolerates medium soil condition
Less than 2 or 3 hours of direct sun a day
Tolerates dry soil condition
Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan:
Perennial
plants that will come back year after year
Gardener Experience:
Does not spread uncontrollably
Spreads by rhizome
Easy to germinate
Self-seeding
Does not spread uncontrollably
Spreads by rhizome
Easy to germinate
Self-seeding
Landscape Uses:
Suitable for rock gardens
Suitable for container garden
Suitable for woodland gardens
Suitable for rock gardens
Suitable for container garden
Suitable for woodland gardens
Ecological Benefits:
Bee host
Keystone species
Bee host
Keystone species
Tolerates:
Deer resistant
Rabbit resistant
Tolerates limestone conditions
Tolerates juglone conditions
Deer resistant
Rabbit resistant
Tolerates limestone conditions
Tolerates juglone conditions
Special Features and Considerations:
Seed and plant distribution status
No seeds available for this plant.
We currently accept seeds for this plant
Fun Facts
The Woodland sunflower is hardy and adaptable to varying soil conditions. It may not be ideal for a small garden due to creeping rhizomes that spread easily. Clusters can be separated to control growth.
In addition to attracting pollinators, its seeds provide food for animals such as squirrels and birds.
Its tall stalks and bright yellow flowers make ideal cuttings to brighten up indoor spaces.
In addition to attracting pollinators, its seeds provide food for animals such as squirrels and birds.
Its tall stalks and bright yellow flowers make ideal cuttings to brighten up indoor spaces.
Plant Location
Native to Ottawa region: Yes
Distribution according to VASCAN
Ephemeral
Native
Introduced
Excluded
Extirpated
Doubtful
Absent
Canadensis
Thrives in Ecozones
- Mixed Wood Plains
Ecological Benefits
Butterflies Supported by Helianthus divaricatus
-
Euplexia benesimilis
American Angle Shades -
Phragmatobia fuliginosa
Ruby Tiger - Écaille Cramoisie
Specialized Bees Supported by Helianthus divaricatus
- Andrena aliciae
- Andrena chromotricha
- Andrena helianthi
- Complexe Colletes americanus
- Dianthidium simile
- Megachile inimica
- Megachile pugnata
- Melissodes agilis
- Melissodes denticulatus
- Melissodes illatus
- Melissodes trinodis
- Perdita pallidipennis
Complementary Plants
- No complementary plants found.
Substitute For Non-Native Plants
- Leucanthemum (Shasta Daisy)
- Gerbera (Gerbera Daisy)
- NA (Non-native False Sunflower)
Sowing Information
Download Seed Envelope Labels (PDF)
- Sowing depth: Sow just below surface
- Sow by March
- Stratification duration: 30 days
- Self-seeding
Harvesting and Seed Sharing
- Harvest start month: September
- Harvesting indicator:
- Seeds easily fall off when you gently pull them off
- Harvesting:
- Shake seed head in paper bag
- Seed viability test:
- No test needed before donating
- Packaging measure: 1 rounded 1/4 teaspoon
- Seed storage:
- Air dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp
- Shake seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
- Cultivar: No, you can donate without knowing the source as there are only straight species
- Remove non-seed material
- No harvesting video available at this time.
Toxicity Notes
Inadequate information on toxicity found.