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Helianthus salicifolius Plant of Merit

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Kemper Code:  C970

Common Name: willow-leaved sunflower
Zone: 4 to 9
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Missouri Native: Yes
Native Range: South central United States
Height: 5 to 8 feet
Spread: 1 to 3 feet
Bloom Time: September - October  
Bloom Color: Yellow rays and dark brown center disks
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium


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Plant Culture and Characteristics

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  Uses:       Wildlife:   Flowers:   Leaves:   Fruit:
Hedge Suitable as annual Attracts birds Has showy flowers Leaves colorful Has showy fruit
Shade tree Culinary herb Attracts Has fragrant flowers Leaves fragrant Fruit edible
Street tree Vegetable   hummingbirds Flowers not showy Good fall color   Other:
Flowering tree Water garden plant Attracts Good cut flower Evergreen Winter interest
Gr. cover (<1') Will naturalize   butterflies Good dried flower     Thorns or spines

General Culture:

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerant of wide range of soil conditions. If grown in part shade, plants tend to be taller and more open, produce fewer flowers and require support. Spreads over time by creeping rhizomes to form dense colonies. Divide every 3-4 years to control spread and maintain vigor.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

Willow-leaved sunflower is a Missouri native plant that occurs in unglaciated western Missouri prairie areas south of the Missouri River. Features clusters (branched panicles) of 2-2.5" wide sunflowers with bright yellow rays and dark brown center disks atop rigid, whitish-green stems typically growing 5-6' (less frequently to 8') tall. Narrow, drooping, willow-like, pale green leaves (5-7"). Blooms from late summer to fall. Good fresh cut flower.

Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems. Taller plants may need staking.

Uses:

Attractive foliage and profuse late summer to fall bloom make this an excellent addition to the border background, wild or native plant garden, or naturalized planting.

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