Stiff Sunflower

(Helianthus pauciflorus)

Stiff Sunflower (Helianthus pauciflorus)

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Helianthus pauciflorus Native Range
Native Range
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Climate Requirements

• Precipitation 17" - 39"
• High Temp. 70°F - 91°F
• Low Temp. -2°F - 30°F

Summary

Helianthus pauciflorus, commonly known as Stiff Sunflower, is a deciduous perennial herb native to the prairies and grasslands of the Central and Northern USA and Canada. It typically grows to a height of 50–200 cm (1 ft 8 in – 6 ft 7 in) and spreads via underground rhizomes. The plant’s foliage is primarily basal, with most leaves clustered near the base of the stem. Each plant can produce 1-10 flower heads, each head featuring 10-20 bright yellow ray florets encircling at least 75 red or, less commonly, yellow disc florets. The flowering season extends through late summer and early fall, and the blooms are quite showy, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Stiff Sunflower is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it a low-maintenance choice for naturalistic plantings, prairie restorations, and wildflower gardens. It is also used for erosion control due to its rhizomatous growth habit. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure, preferring soils with medium drainage. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to rust and mildew in humid conditions. Gardeners should be aware that it can spread vigorously and may require management to prevent unwanted colonization.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 4-5 feet
  • Width: 8-10 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to prairies and grasslands of the Central and Northern USA and Canada

Other Names

Common Names: Rigid Sunflower, Staude-Solsikke, Armblütige Sonnenblume, Steife Sonnenblume, Hélianthe Rigide, Hélianthe Raide, Höstsolros, Flerårig Solros

Scientific Names: Helianthus pauciflorus, Helianthus rigidus var. rigidus, Helianthus pauciflorus var. pauciflorus, Helianthus rigidus subsp. rigidus

GBIF Accepted Name: Helianthus pauciflorus Nutt.