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Smith, R.W.

Helianthus pauciflorus ssp. pauciflorus

Helianthus pauciflorus Nutt. ssp. pauciflorus

Stiff Sunflower

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Synonym(s): Helianthus laetiflorus var. rigidus, Helianthus rigidus

USDA Symbol: HEPAP2

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)

Stiff sunflower is one of the most widely cultivated of the perennial sunflowers. Its 3-6 ft. stem is lined with dark-green foliage and it bears showy sunflowers on long flower stalks.

From the Image Gallery

2 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Size Notes: Up to about 6 feet tall.
Fruit: Fruit is a cypsela (pl. cypselae). Though technically incorrect, the fruit is often referred to as an achene.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Red , Yellow
Bloom Time: Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov

Distribution

USA: AR , CT , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , MA , ME , MI , MN , MO , MT , ND , NE , NH , NJ , OK , RI , SD , TX , VA , VT , WI
Canada: MB , NS , ON , PE , QC , SK
Native Distribution: Ont. & MI to Sask., s. to LA, NE & CO; naturalized eastward
Native Habitat: Dry, upland prairies; plains

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Description: Various dry soils.

Value to Beneficial Insects

Special Value to Native Bees

This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Propagation

Description: Excellent germination occurs with seeds that have been refrigerated over winter. Stem cuttings can be taken before flowering, but the easiest method of increase in to divide the clump in early spring.
Seed Collection: Nutlets usually mature 2-3 weeks after flowering. To beat finched to the seeds, secure a small bag around seeds heads after the flowers fade. Air-dry collected seed heads, separate nutlets from chaff, and store in sealed, refrigerated containers.
Commercially Avail: yes

Web Reference

Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.

Additional resources

USDA: Find Helianthus pauciflorus ssp. pauciflorus in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Helianthus pauciflorus ssp. pauciflorus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Helianthus pauciflorus ssp. pauciflorus

Metadata

Record Modified: 2022-12-28
Research By: TWC Staff

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