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colorful fall leaves of rhus aromatica
Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Lo’ (Fragrant Sumac) Photo © Mary Free
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Helianthus divaricatus (Woodland Sunflower)

The narrowly lanceolate leaves of Helianthus divaricatus (Woodland Sunflower) have three prominent veins: the midrib and a pair of lateral veins originating at the jointure of leaf margin and petiole and arching toward the tip.
Helianthus divaricatus (Woodland Sunflower) flower bud in July displays long, narrow, lanceolate phyllaries with twisted and pointed tips.
Helianthus divaricatus (Woodland Sunflower) in the landscape at the Glencarlyn Library Community Garden in July.
Helianthus divaricatus (Woodland Sunflower) capitulum in July has 8–15 rays and 40+ disk florets.
Helianthus divaricatus (Woodland Sunflower) in the landscape at the Glencarlyn Library Community Garden in August.
Helianthus divaricatus (Woodland Sunflower) seed heads in August.
American goldfinch eating the seeds of Helianthus divaricatus (Woodland Sunflower) in August.
Helianthus divaricatus (Woodland Sunflower) cypselae with awned pappi in August.
Helianthus divaricatus (Woodland Sunflower) in the woods at the Norfolk Botanical Garden in October.

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Helianthus divaricatus Tried and True Woodland Sunflower Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic This native* of open woodlands, clearings and outcrops is a truly high-value wildlife plant. Its showy fall flowers draw a variety of pollinators for nectar and seven species of specialized bees for pollen, and its seeds are favored by songbirds, doves, and small mammals. As a larval host, it supports more than 70 species of butterflies and moths, while mature colonies provide cover for many animals. Perennial Colony, Flowers with Pollinator,** Fruit Height: 2–6 feet Spread: 1–3 feet Bloom Color: Yellow Characteristics Upright herbaceous perennial with rigid stems Opposite (offset 90° from pair above/below), sharply- pointed, sessile or short-petiolate, pubescent leaves (≤ 6”) with smooth to slightly-toothed, ciliate margins on glabrous, sometimes rough, often glaucous, stems Terminal 2- to 3-inch-wide composite flowers with yellow rays & disk florets in cymose arrangement July-Sept. followed by cypselae with awned pappi Spreads vigorously by rhizomes to form colonies Attributes Tolerates wide range of soil conditions, drought, Black Walnut; no serious pests or diseases; deer occasionally severely damage Good cut flower Attracts butterflies to nectar, specialized bees to pollen, birds to seed; larval host to ~70 lepidopterans incl. Silvery Checkerspot, Painted Lady, Rustic Sphinx Growing and Maintenance Tips Excellent Replacement for Soil Requirements: Average, well-drained Achillea filipendulina - Fernleaf Yarrow Light Requirements: Partial Shade Helianthus annuus - Common Sunflower Water Requirements: Dry, Moist Tanacetum vulgare - Common Tansy Divide every 3–4 years to control spread and maintain vigor; may need staking Retain seed heads for birds *It is native to DC, rare in DE, scattered in MD (though concentrated in Montgomery County), and present through- out PA. In VA, it is common in the mountains, frequent in the Piedmont, and infrequent in the Coastal Plain. **Pollinator is Bombus impatiens (common eastern bumble bee). Use in partially shaded border, pollinator garden, or naturalized planting Hardiness: USDA Zones 3a–9b developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Elaine Mills and Mary Free (fruit), Glencarlyn Library Community Garden

Tried and True Native Plant Selections
 for the Mid-Atlantic

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Helianthus divaricatus (Woodland Sunflower)

This native* of open woodlands, clearings and outcrops is a truly high-value wildlife plant. Its showy fall flowers draw a variety of pollinators for nectar and seven species of specialized bees for pollen, and its seeds are favored by songbirds, doves, and small mammals. As a larval host, it supports more than 70 species of butterflies and moths, while mature colonies provide cover for many animals.

*It is native to DC, rare in DE, scattered in MD (though concentrated in Montgomery County), and present throughout PA. In VA, it is common in the mountains, frequent in the Piedmont, and infrequent in the Coastal Plain. You can view the VA counties in which it has been reported here.

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: 
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets