Planting and Growing the Paleleaf Woodland Sunflower

Also known as paleleaf suflower or woodland sunflower, this plant is a member of the aster family of plants. It is native to the United States and is botanically known as Helianthus strumosus.

Paleleaf Woodland Sunflower Description

Growing up to seven feet high, this stout-stemmed perennial has branching at the top. Leaves are narrow and oval, with green up top and white below. Flowers are yellow and on loose clusters near the branch tips. Flowers are two to four inches wide and on smooth to slightly rough stems. Bloom season is between July and September.

Growing Guide

The paleleaf woodland sunflower isn't picky about where it grows. It can be fine in full sun to full shade. It does need a dry acidic soil. Propagate by seed, stem cuttings, or by clump division. Air dry the seed heads after collecting and refrigerate over the winter for best germination. In early spring you can do division if you'd like.

Distribution

This native is found in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. It is seen in woodland edges and dry woods.

Interesting Facts

The paleleaf woodland sunflower is only one of 20 species of the sunflower that has yellow disk flowers that is in the eastern portion of North America.

Source: NPIN