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Mertensia virginica en masse.
Mertensia virginica en masse. Photo © Mary Free
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Heliopsis helianthoides ([Smooth] Oxeye)

Heliopsis helianthoides (oxeye) leaves in April
Heliopsis helianthoides (oxeye) bud in June
False milkweed bug on Heliopsis helianthoides (oxeye) in June.
Heliopsis helianthoides (oxeye) flower in June
Heliopsis helianthoides (oxeye) flower in June
Heliopsis helianthoides (oxeye) en masse at at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in July
Rudbeckia and oxeye sunflower in the Pollinator Garden
Heliopsis helianthoides (oxeye) fruit in December

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Sometimes referred to as False Sunflower, this hardy native* of open woodlands, prairies, and fields is notable for its eight-week period of peak bloom. Its 2- to 3-inch, showy yellow flowers attract a wide variety of pollinators and make it a wonderful addition to a cutting garden. Perennial En Masse, Flower Height: 3–6 feet Spread: 2–4 feet Bloom Color: Yellow Characteristics Upright, clumping herbaceous perennial with stiff, branched stems Opposite, ovate, toothed leaves, 6 inches long Orange-yellow daisy-like flowers w/ persisting rays and dark cone-shaped centers June to September Small, flattened, dark-colored fruit (cypselae) without tufts of hair or significant scales Spreads by self-sowing; difficult to divide Attributes Tolerates drought, erosion, and clay, dry or rocky soil No serious pests or diseases Deer rarely severely damage Nectar and pollen attract many pollinators; birds eat seeds; winter cover for beneficial insects Growing and Maintenance Tips Soil Requirements: Well-drained Excellent Replacement for Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade Anthemis tinctoria - Golden Marguerite Water Requirements: Dry, Moist Calendula officinalis - Marigold Deadhead to extend bloom season Chrysanthemum morifolium - Chrysanthemum Cut back by up to 1⁄2 in May to reduce need for staking; more support needed w/ increased shade Gerbera jamesonii - Gerbera Daisy Use in borders, cutting gardens, and meadows *In the Mid-Atlantic Region, it is native to DC. rare in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain of DE, and present in MD and in much of PA. It is found in NoVA, although it is most frequent in the mountains and rare in the Coastal Plain in VA. Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9 developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Elaine Mills, Arlington, VA

Tried and True Native Plant Selections
 for the Mid-Atlantic

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Heliopsis helianthoides ([Smooth] Oxeye)

Sometimes referred to as False Sunflower, this hardy native* of open woodlands, prairies, and fields is notable for its eight-week period of peak bloom. Its 2- to 3-inch, showy yellow flowers attract a wide variety of pollinators and make it a wonderful addition to a cutting garden.

*In the Mid-Atlantic Region, it is native to DC. rare in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain of DE, and present in MD and in much of PA. It is found in NoVA, although it is most frequent in the mountains and rare in the Coastal Plain in VA.

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

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