Fewleaf Sunflower, Western Sunflower

Photo by John Hilty http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/

Fewleaf Sunflower, Western Sunflower Helianthus occidentalis Full sun, medium to dry moisture level, tolerant of a wide range of soils including clay, acidic to alkaline pH.  2-4 feet height, blooms late summer and fall, yellow flowers, spreads aggressively by rhizomes. Germination Code:  C(30) Native Region:  Scattered in isolated counties statewide One of the shortest of the many sunflowers native to the U.S.  It is called “occidentalis” because it occurs west of Europe and is actually native to eastern and central North America.  “Fewleaf” refers to the almost total absence of leaves from the flowering stems.  Can form large colonies over time; it is a good plant for holding dry soils and preventing erosion.  Attracts birds and butterflies. flower;sun;medium;clay flower;sun;medium;loam flower;sun;medium;sand flower;sun;dry;clay flower;sun;dry;loam flower;sun;dry;sand