Muller, Thomas L.
Heliopsis helianthoides (L.) Sweet
Smooth oxeye, Oxeye sunflower, False sunflower
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
A common, 3-5 ft.
perennial with stiff, branched stems; sunflower-like heads; and
opposite, toothed leaves. Resembling a small version of a yellow sunflower with a cone-shaped central disk and
opposite, toothed, simple leaves. The yellow flower heads are 2 in. across and have raised, yellow centers.
This plant looks like true sunflowers, which are in the
genus Helianthus. Unlike sunflowers, its rays persist on the flower heads; the rays of sunflowers wither and fall away. It is placed in Heliopsis due to its cone-shaped central disk. Oxeye is hardy and easily grown as a showy garden
perennial in dry sites and is a good choice for clay soil.
Image Gallery:
14 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Flower:
Fruit: Size Class: 3-6 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CO , CT , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NY , NC , ND , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , VT , VA , WA , WV , WI , DC
Canada: MB ,
ON ,
QC ,
SK Native Distribution: S. Que. to FL, w. to s.e. B.C. & NM; naturalized northeastward
Native Habitat: Moist to dry, open woodlands; prairies; fields
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Sandy soils.
Conditions Comments: An undemanding plant which provides excellent, mid-summer color. Eastern plants belong to var. helianthoides; those in the West are var. scabra.
Benefit
Attracts: Hummingbirds
Last Update: 2012-12-07
