False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides)

Common Names : early sunflower, smooth oxeye, oxeye sunflower, common oxeye

Status

Native to eastern and central North America.

Listed

Common

Sun

Full sun to partial sun

Soil/Habitat

Favours areas of disturbances, prairies, grassy meadows, open woodlands, railroads, banks of streams. Tolerates a wide variety of soils from dry to clay.

Water

dry to medium. Drought tolerant. Erosion tolerant.

Prefers well-drained sites.

Dimensions

Height – 3 – 6 feet

Width – 2 – 4 feet

Flowers

June to September. One of the earliest sunflowers to bloom.

Notes

Attracts butterflies, especially Painted Lady and Skippers. Nectar and pollen attract a wide variety of insects including honeybees, bumblebees, carpenter, digger, cuckoo

, and leafcutter bees. In the Winter, stems provide winter cover for beneficial insects.