Pot Size: 2 quarts
Native Status: Native
Description: This false sunflower is a cultivar of Heliopsis helianthoides. Tall perennial for the middle or back of the flower border. It has a bushy, well-branched form and glossy, deep green, triangular leaves – a real workhorse in the garden! Use this plant in combination containers, as a cut flower, or to attract butterflies to your garden. Requires consistent moisture during its first season to establish a strong root system.
Light Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade Drought Tolerant : Yes
Soil Moisture: Medium - Dry Salt Tolerant: Yes
Mature Height: 2.5 – 3 ft Deer Resistant: Yes
Mature Width: 2.5 – 3 ft
Bloom Color/Bloom Time: Blooms from July until frost. The new flowers emerge intense orange red and mature into golden orange with red centers.
Historical Uses: Early settlers used the leaves and roots of Heliopsis helianthoides to create teas, specifically targeting lung ailments, cold symptoms, and to reduce fevers. Leaf teas were used to reduce fevers and treat malaria.
Wildlife Values: Leaf teas were used to reduce fevers and treat malaria. Crucial nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds from summer to fall. The species Heliopsis helianthoides (false sunflower) is a known host plant for caterpillars of the Silvery Checkerspot butterfly (Chlosyne nycteis) and the Painted Lady butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis). Also acts as a host for sunflower moth caterpillar (Homoeosoma electellum) . Its seeds feed birds in fall/winter, while stems provide nesting sites.
👉 For more information visit Mt. Cuba Center
Pot Size: 2 quarts
Native Status: Native
Description: This false sunflower is a cultivar of Heliopsis helianthoides. Tall perennial for the middle or back of the flower border. It has a bushy, well-branched form and glossy, deep green, triangular leaves – a real workhorse in the garden! Use this plant in combination containers, as a cut flower, or to attract butterflies to your garden. Requires consistent moisture during its first season to establish a strong root system.
Light Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade Drought Tolerant : Yes
Soil Moisture: Medium - Dry Salt Tolerant: Yes
Mature Height: 2.5 – 3 ft Deer Resistant: Yes
Mature Width: 2.5 – 3 ft
Bloom Color/Bloom Time: Blooms from July until frost. The new flowers emerge intense orange red and mature into golden orange with red centers.
Historical Uses: Early settlers used the leaves and roots of Heliopsis helianthoides to create teas, specifically targeting lung ailments, cold symptoms, and to reduce fevers. Leaf teas were used to reduce fevers and treat malaria.
Wildlife Values: Leaf teas were used to reduce fevers and treat malaria. Crucial nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds from summer to fall. The species Heliopsis helianthoides (false sunflower) is a known host plant for caterpillars of the Silvery Checkerspot butterfly (Chlosyne nycteis) and the Painted Lady butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis). Also acts as a host for sunflower moth caterpillar (Homoeosoma electellum) . Its seeds feed birds in fall/winter, while stems provide nesting sites.
👉 For more information visit Mt. Cuba Center
The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Medicinal plants can have serious side effects and interactions with medications. Consult your healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies, as you are responsible for your own health decisions.
Photo Credits:
1 - Walters Gardens, Inc
2 -
