Helianthus divaricatus

Description

Helianthus divaricatus, or Woodland Sunflower, is a 3-4 foot tall perennial preferring shade to part sun and medium to dry soils. Woodland Sunflower’s large yellow disc and ray flowers appear in summer. It is a spreader via rhizomes and birds feed on its seeds in fall. The flower nectar and pollen is sought after by honey bees, native bees, beneficial wasps, pollinating flies, butterflies, skippers, and beetles. At least six specialty bees that only pollinate Helianthus spp. visit the flowers. Woodland Sunflower hosts caterpillars of checkerspot butterflies, painted lady butterflies, and several moths.