Helianthus angustifolius is a tall late blooming sunflower that produces masses of bright yellow daisy like flowers atop narrow leaved stems, providing vivid fall color and critical late season nectar. Its vigorous upright habit makes it ideal for large pollinator plantings and naturalized borders.
Height & Spread: 48 - 72 in x 24 - 36 in
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained soils; tolerates clay and occasional wetness
Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture
Deer Resistance: Moderately resistant
Native Status
Native to the southeastern United States commonly found in moist prairies, ditches, and woodland edges.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Visited by Monarchs and Painted Ladies seeking nectar during fall migration.
Bees
- Highly attractive to native bees and honeybees during late season bloom windows.
Birds
- Seeds are eaten by goldfinches, chickadees, and other small seed eating songbirds.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 24 - 36 in apart to support upright growth and airflow among tall stalks.
Landscape Placement
- Best used in naturalized back borders, moist meadows, or large scale pollinator gardens. May benefit from staking in windy sites.
Companion Plants
- Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England Aster) - Offers pink and purple blooms for a colorful fall display with overlapping bloom times.
- Vernonia noveboracensis (New York Ironweed) - Tall bold purple blooms contrast beautifully with yellow Helianthus in late summer.
- Rudbeckia triloba (Brown Eyed Susan) - Provides additional yellow tones and long bloom duration in prairie style beds.
- Eupatorium serotinum (Late Boneset) - Draws late season pollinators and balances tall structures in sunny beds.
- Sorghastrum nutans (Indian Grass) - Adds golden blades and height that complements Helianthus’ upright habit.