Planting and Growing the Smooth Oxeye

Also known as the oxeye sunflower or the false sunflower, the smooth oxeye is a member of the aster family of plants. It is native to the United States and is botanically listed as Heliopsis helianthoides.

Smooth Oxeye Description

A perennial with great mid-summer color, this plant grows three to five feet high. It has stiff stems and sunflower resembling flowers. Leaves are opposite and toothed. Flowers are yellow with a cone central disk that is raised and yellow as well. Bloom season is between June and September. It is not a true sunflower, as seen in the rays of the flowers not withering and falling away like true sunflowers.

Growing Guide

This perennial prefers to grow in full sun and a moist sandy soil. Propagate by seed or by division. Division may be difficult. Seed should be sown in the fall or the early spring.

Distribution

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

Variations

To the east, this plant is Heliopsis helianthoides var. helianthoides. To the west, this plant is called Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra.

Source: NPIN