Helianthus angustifolius (Swamp Sunflower)

The last sunflower to bloom, Helianthus angustifolius (Swamp Sunflower) is a showy perennial forming a clump of tall and sturdy, green to purplish pubescent stems. They boast a profusion of brilliant golden-yellow flowers, 2-3 in. across (5-7 cm), from fall to frost. Each flower features 10-20 yellow narrow, pointed rays surrounding a purplish-brown disk. They are an important nectar source for fall migrating monarch butterflies and other pollinators. The seeds are favored by many songbirds and are produced into the fall. The narrow, willowy leaves, 6 in. long (15 cm), are hairy and pointed at the tip. Swamp Sunflower grows from a branched, colonizing crown that spreads outward at a moderate rate. It is a good choice for a native or pollinator garden, a naturalized area. It is suitable for rain gardens or along streams and ponds. Use as a specimen plant or massed. Give it room to spread, and you will enjoy a profusion of late-season flowers when little else is blooming.

• Typically grows up to 5-8 ft. tall (150-240 cm) and 2-4 ft. wide (60-120 cm). May need staking, particularly if grown in exposed locations.
• Prefers full sun in acidic to neutral, moist to occasionally wet, well-drained soils. Tolerates part shade but best flower production occurs in full sun. Salt tolerant.
• Low maintenance, this is an excellent choice for wildflower gardens, coastal gardens, butterfly gardens, along ponds and streams.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for rust, leaf fungal spots, and powdery mildew. Deer resistant.
• Prune plants back in early summer to encourage branching.
• Propagated by seed.
• Native to the eastern United States.