Perhaps less well known than their annual relatives, most sunflower species are perennial plants. More than 30 of these are U.S. native plants. Perennial sunflowers generally need a sunny location and moist, well-drained soil (some exceptions are noted below), but can be resilient in challenging environments. They may need staking as some species grow tall. You can grow plants from seed, starting them indoors in Spring. Flowers appear in late summer into fall. Leave the flowerheads on the plants through the winter to support birds in your environment.

There are five perennial sunflower varieties that are part of NYBG's living collection in the Native Plant and Perennial Gardens. These plants are area natives with the adaptability and benefit to wildlife, birds and pollinators that implies.

Helianthus angustifolius (swamp sunflower)

Previously known as Coreopsis angustifolius, this sunflower is a New York native plant that grows in moist to wet, acidic soil. It does best in full sun to partial shade, growing over 5 feet tall as an upright plant with small, 2-inch flower structures, gold with dark center. Attractive to mammals, birds in all seasons and pollinating insects, this is an excellent plant for supporting a rich variety of caterpillars. USDA zone 5 to 9. 

Helianthus divaricatus (woodland sunflower)

A tall, easy care, New York native plant that grows in partial shade and reaches up to six feet tall. Bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with gold centers in July and August, earlier than most perennial sunflowers. Spreads on rhizomes to form a colony and needs dividing every four years. A valuable food source for native bees. USDA zone 3 to 8.

Helianthus microcephalus (small woodland sunflower)

An Eastern United States native plant, small woodland sunflower is a host for painted lady and spring azure butterflies. Late-summer blooming flowers are just an inch in size on tall plants up to 6 feet. Flower structures have bright yellow rays with gold centers on deep red stems. Good for massing, these sunflowers form a spreading clump and grow in sun or partial shade in average soils. Hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.

Helianthus mollis (ashy sunflower)

A New York native plant that grows well in partial shade to full sun and average soil, as long as it drains well. Named for its fuzzy, gray leaves, this plant grows 2 to 4 feet tall on spreading rhizomes and is ideal in a informal growing area. Plant in a protected spot or stake if in a windier area. A favorite of bees, birds and caterpillars so plant in the expectation that these sunflowers will have some chewed upon leaves as they support biodiversity. Hardy in USDA zone 4 to 9.

Helianthus occidentalis (fewleaf sunflower)

A Central and Eastern United States native plant that blooms in late summer. The fewleaf sunflower is more stalk and flower than leaves and one of the shorter sunflowers, reaching about 3 feet. Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8, this sunflower thrives in average soil and full sun. Flowers are golden with cone-shaped golden centers and attract birds, painted lady butterflies and native bees. Spreads on rhizomes to form a colony and needs dividing every four years.

For more information on growing sunflowers, see our Guide to Sunflowers.

Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service