Helianthus californicus

This deciduous perennial spreads to 10 ft wide and up to 5 ft tall. The birds and bees love this native sunflower which is found along stream banks, meadows, and freshwater-marshes. Its sunflower style yellow blooms are visible from mid spring to early fall; producing dozens of 3-5 in. wide golden daisy like flowers. The best technique for watering, to enhance flower producing, is occasionally flooding the ground. The long straight stems make great cut flowers. Native to California and is also found outside of California, but is confined to western North America. Sunflowers are copious nectar producers, providing food for pollinating bees, while the seeds and leaves provide food for such animals as birds, insects, and squirrels. No Historical Uses found. Found in dry to moist, sunny, rocky, brushy or grassy creeksides and roadcuts. Communitites located in Foothill Woodland, Valley Grassland, Freshwater Wetlands, Wetland-riparian Between 0 and 6000 feet.