Early Sunflower

Heliopsis helianthoides (hee-lee-OP-sis hee-lee-an-THOY-dees)

Family: Asteraceae Native Herbaceous (3-15 ft)

Oxeye sunflower or false sunflower is a native, herbaceous perennial, wildflower with an upright and clumping habit, growing 3 to 6 feet tall, with orangish-yellow daisy-like flowers with a brown or golden yellow cone-shaped center disk. It is a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae) and is native to Southeastern Canada and the North Central and Eastern United States. Its native habitat includes open woodlands, prairies, thickets, grassy meadows, stream banks, roadsides, and fields. The genus name, Heliopsis , originates from the Greek words helios , meaning sun, and opsis, meaning resembling. This is in reference to the flower's appearance. The specific epithet, helianthoides, refers to this species resembling plants belonging to the genus Helianthus, which includes true sunflowers. This plant is easy to grow and thrives in full sun, tolerating a variety of soil types, including clay, dry, and poor soils. The soil should be medium moist to dry and well-drained. If planted in shade, they tend to be less hardy and will have weaker stems. Deadheading spent blooms prolongs the blooming period. To reduce the plant height, the stems may be cut back in late May. Propagation is easily done by planting seeds in the fall or early spring. The plant can self-sow and form colonies. The oxeye sunflower has green, erect, rough, hairy, and branched stems. The green leaves are opposite with toothed margins and a sandpapery texture. The flower resembles a daisy or small sunflower, but has a cone-shaped central disk. Unlike true sunflowers, the petals or rays of the oxeye sunflower remain on the flowerhead, whereas the petals of a true sunflower drop off or fall away as the flower fades. The ray flowers and disk florets of the oxeye sunflower are fertile and can produce seeds, whereas the true sunflower ray flowers are sterile, and only the disk florets can produce seeds. The oxeye sunflower has an erect flower head, whereas the flower head of the true sunflower seems to nod sideways. The oxeye sunflower has showy blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The flowers can be used as a cutting for floral arrangements. Best planted as an accent, mass plantings, or group plantings for a perennial border or cottage garden. Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems: No significant insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to aphids. Taller plants may need staking or other support. Tends to become weedy in landscapes, but it is not a threat or concern to farmlands or pastures.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 65 attributes.