Plants We Love: Willow-leaved Sunflower

Willow-leaved sunflower (Helianthus salicifolius) is a tough native plant with clusters of cheery late summer flowers and feathery foliage.

Plant name: Willow-leaved sunflower

Botanical name: Helianthus salicifolius

Virtues: Daisy-like flowers appear in clusters; tall and narrow plant for tight spaces or the back of the border; fine foliage; late bloom period (late summer to fall)

Flower: Bright yellow petals surround dark brown eyes. Flowers are 2.5 inches wide. They appear in clusters on rigid stems. Makes a good cut flower.

Foliage: Narrow willow-like leaves. Soft green in color.

Habit: Herbaceous perennial that slowly spreads to form a colony. Single plants are 5 to 8 feet tall and 1 to 3 feet wide.

Season: Late summer to fall.

Origin: South-central United States

Cultivation: Not picky about soil type, but requires good drainage. Plant in full sun for best habit and flowering. USDA Zones 4 to 9.

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