Helianthus angustifolius

Family: Asteraceae

Common names: SUNFLOWER, SWAMP SUNFLOWER

Native to: Eastern United States To Texas

Sentiment: false riches

Plant

Types: biennial, perennial

Forms: clumping, erect

Max height: 6.6 feet

Max width: 4 feet

Flower

secondary color present, yellow

Leaf

green

Horticulture

Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, bird, specific butterfly species

Plant part consumed by birds: seeds

Exposure: sun

Landscape uses: container, cut flower

Propagates by: seed

flowers in fall

Soil type: wide range

USDA Zones: zone 6 to -10 f, zone 7 to 0 f, zone 8 to +10 f, zone 9 to +20 f

Temp. range: -10 to +30 °F

Water: moist, regular

Helianthus, or SUNFLOWER, a member of the Compositae (Aster) family with 85 species, is a wildlife favorite, as squirrels, birds, and butterflies all enjoy this plant. They grow in Zones 4-9 and prefer regular watering. There are at least six species in cultivation and numerous cultivars. Helianthus angustifolius, laevigatus, maximiliani, and occidentalis are cultivated perennials that grow from seed. Helianthus annus, as the name suggests, is an annual.

Helianthus angustifolius, SWAMP SUNFLOWER, grows to 6 1/2' tall and 4' wide in Zones 6-9, and is native to the Eastern United States to Texas. It is a biennial in some settings, and a perennial in others. It prefers regular watering or moist watering, but is not fussy as to soil types. Grow it in full sun, or in a very bright sunny spot that may get light shade part of the day. It produces large yellow flowers in fall. Try it in a container? Why not. A big one.

In addition to the butterflies that nectar on plants in the Compositae family, Helianthus attracts Lycaena editha, EDITH'S COPPER.

Container plants that attract adult butterflies - perennial

This plant can be grown in a container and will attract and feed adult butterflies. These plant can be found in every height range – from tiny to large – from less than a foot high to over 10 feet tall.

Our database of nectar plants for all US butterflies contains over 10,000 entries. The top five nectar plants -- Cirsium, Lantana, Asclepias, Salvia, and Verbena -- will appeal to 90% of all US butterflies. Pick from these if you want to provide nectar for your local butterflies.

Once you start with these, you can add from another 630 genera in 110 plant families to attract more insects to your garden.

By far the most import butterfly nectar plant family is Asteraceae. If you grow plants in from this family, butterflies will find your garden.

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