Scientific Name
Helianthus angustifolius L.
Synonym(s)
Helianthus angustifolius subsp. angustifolius, Helianthus angustifolius var. angustifolius, Coreopsis angustifolia, Discomela angustifolius
Common Name(s)
Swamp Sunflower, Narrowleaf Sunflower
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Heliantheae
Genus: Helianthus
Origin
Helianthus angustifolius is native to the south-central and eastern United States, found in all the coastal states from Texas to Long Island and inland as far as Missouri.
Flower
Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Early autumn
Description
Helianthus angustifolius is a perennial herb that grows up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall. It is often cultivated for its bright, showy yellow flowers. Leaves are narrow and up to 6 inches (15 cm) long.
One plant can produce 3 to 16 flower heads, each with 10 to 20 ray florets surrounding at least 75 disc florets.
How to Grow and Care for Helianthus angustifolius
If you decide to add Sunflowers to your garden, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind.
First of all, they are called sunflowers for a reason. They need the sun. Make sure that the location you choose for your Sunflowers gets full sun.
Second, you do not need to worry about the soil too much. They are not picky about soil conditions, but they are plants. They will do better in better soil.
Third, Sunflower seed shells contain a toxic substance to grass. So, you will need to harvest the Sunflower heads before the seeds begin to fall out, or you will need to plant your Sunflowers in a location where you do not mind any nearby grass being killed.
Fourth, keep in mind the height of the Sunflower variety you have chosen. A giant, twelve-foot variety will end up acting very much like a small tree and may shade the surrounding flowers.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Sunflowers.
Links
- Back to genus Helianthus
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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