Photo of Helianthus occidentalis flower by Prairie Nursery

Photo by Prairie Nursery

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Helianthus occidentalis

Also Known As

  • Western Sunflower

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 2'-3'
  • W: 12"-24"

planting zones

  • 3a-9b

More Options

Helianthus occidentalis plant details

Helianthus occidentalis is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer yellow flowers emerge. Attracts birds and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular - occasional water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, clay, gritty and rocky soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Helianthus occidentalis

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 12 IN - 24 IN - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in summer
Uses: cutting garden, naturalizing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Helianthus occidentalis

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - occasional
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty and rocky

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Western Sunflower has elegant star-like flowers held aloft on leafless stalks two to three feet tall. The shortest of our native sunflowers, Helianthus occidentalis is perfect for small prairie gardens and meadows in dry soils. Blooms for an extended period in late summer. Birds love the seeds! Hardy to Zones 3 - 9.

Gardening facts about Helianthus occidentalis plant

How to Grow Helianthus occidentalis

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • average
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • butterflies
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Helianthus for your garden

aka Helianthus microcephalus 'Lemon Queen', Lemon Queen Perennial Sunflower

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

4a-9a

Size

Height: 80"-96"

Width: 3'

  • sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Helianthus 'Lemon Queen' flower by Avant Gardens
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aka Helianthus 'Flore Pleno', Helianthus hybrid 'Flora Plena', Flore Pleno Hardy Double Sunflower

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Helianthus x multiflorus 'Anemoniflorus Flore Pleno' flower by Karl Gercens III
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aka Hardy Sunflower, Swamp Sunflower

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 3'-6'

Width: 2'

  • sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Helianthus angustifolius flower by Choess
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aka Aurora Gold Sunflower

Plant Type

Annual / Biennial

Zones

1-11

Size

Height: 4'

Width: 3'

  • sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Helianthus 'Aurora Gold' flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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aka Helianthus 'Autumn Beauty', Autumn Beauty Sunflower Mix

Plant Type

Annual / Biennial

Zones

1-11

Size

Height: 4'-5'

Width: 1'-2'

  • sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Helianthus annuus [Autumn Beauty mix] flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

More Options

+52 more Helianthus
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