About

Key Facts

Distribution

How To Care

All Species

More Genus

Plant Encyclopedia > Sunflowers

Key Facts About Sunflowers

Feedback

Attributes of Sunflowers

Plant Height

4 m

Spread

50 cm

Flower Size

8 cm to 15 cm

Leaf type

Deciduous

Ideal Temperature

20 - 35 ℃

Scientific Classification of Sunflowers

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

Family

Daisy

Genus

Sunflowers

Distribution of Sunflowers

Feedback

Distribution Map of Sunflowers

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

How to Grow and Care for Sunflowers

Feedback

The sunflowers genus generally demands basic care tailored towards full sunlight exposure, moderate watering, and well-draining soil. They thrive best in warm temperatures and are robust against most common pests and diseases. However, they can be vulnerable to specific issues such as mildew and canker. Seasonal considerations involve increased watering during dry periods in summer, and a reduction in colder seasons. Additionally, springtime is optimal for planting, promoting healthier growth.

How to Water Sunflowers?

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Sunflowers?

How to Propagate Sunflowers?

How to Plant Sunflowers?

More Info About Caring for Sunflowers

Exploring the Sunflowers Plants

Feedback

8 most common species：

Common sunflower

The common sunflower is recognizable for its bright flower on a very tall stem. It is often grown in gardens. These flowers have been important in culture: they were worshipped by the ancient Inca people, and today, they represent eco-friendly movements. The artist Vincent van Gogh made a famous series of paintings about common sunflower. Wild versions of the plant branch out to many flower heads, but domesticated plants typically only have one.

Jerusalem artichoke

Jerusalem artichoke is a North American native sunflower with large amber flower heads, broad leaves, and sturdy branches. Its tubers are a highly nutritious vegetable food crop that tastes sweet and nutty. The plant's Latin name, Helianthus tuberosus, stems from helios, the Greek word for sun, and anthos, meaning flower.

Prairie Sunflower

Prairie Sunflower (Helianthus petiolaris) thrives best in sunlit areas that are grassy and open and is unable to grow in shaded areas. Prairie Sunflower flowers from summer to fall and its seeds are edible. It’s indigenous to the Western United States but has migrated eastward over the years.

Woodland sunflower

The woodland sunflower is an herbaceous perennial flower in the Helianthus divaricatus family. These showy yellow flowers thrive in part sun to full sun and hybridize easily. They spread through creeping rhizomes and seeds and may become invasive. The seeds are an excellent source of food for wild birds.

Thinleaf sunflower

Thinleaf sunflower (*Helianthus decapetalus*) is indigenous to central and eastern North America. A multitude of butterfly species use this plant to feed their larvae, including the silvery checkspot and the painted lady. Muskrats feast on the stems and leaves and gather the stems to use them for building their lodges.

Maximilian sunflower

The maximilian sunflower is a native perennial sunflower with tall stems and numerous, showy blooms that can grow up to 13 cm across. This sunflower spreads aggressively through rhizomes and while it isn’t great for small landscaping projects, it does attract wildlife with its prolific seeds.

Swamp sunflower

Swamp sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius) is a plant species that is a member of the Aster family. The swamp sunflower or Narrow Leaf Sunflower, is a yellow perennial flower. It grows well in damp gardens and tolerates the salt of coastal areas. It spreads in small, slow-growing clumps.

Beach sunflower

The beach sunflower, Helianthus debilis, or beach sunflower, is a commonly grown sunflower in the Eastern United States. This species of sunflower can tolerate small amounts of salt water, and is often grown on beach dunes to form a thick ground cover for erosion control.

All Species of Sunflowers

Giant sunflower (Helianthus giganteus) is a perennial herbaceous plant that can grow to be over 4 m tall. Giant sunflower is native to the eastern United States and eastern and central Canada. This species grows in valleys with wet meadows or swamps.

Sawtooth sunflower

Sawtooth sunflower

Sawtooth sunflower is a perennial sunflower in the aster family. Although it is called sawtooth sunflower, its leaves are generally smooth or only slightly serrated. This sunflower can grow up to 3.5 m tall.

Hairy sunflower

Hairy sunflower (Helianthus hirsutus) is a flowering perennial species which spreads using underground rhizomes. Hairy sunflower is considered easy to grow in gardens and prefers full sunlight for optimal growth. This species attracts bees, wasps, flies, and butterflies.

Swollen sunflower

Swollen sunflower

Widely spread across the United States and Canada, the woolly sunflower can produce 1-15 flower heads on a single plant that contain 17-22 yellow ray florets. It's used to increase forb diversity in conservation and restoration plantings. The Helianthus mollis is often used for preventing soil erosion as well.

Stiff sunflower

Stiff sunflower (*Helianthus pauciflorus*) is a perennial member of the sunflower family found throughout North America, especially in the Great Plains region. The stem is bristly and generally grayish-green in color. It grows readily in clayey, loamy, sandy, or gravelly soil. Stiff sunflower can attract many types of butterflies and bees.

Purpledisk sunflower

Other names for purpledisk sunflower (Helianthus atrorubens) include Appalachian sunflower, wild sunflower, and dark-eyed sunflower. It’s a species that’s indigenous to the southeastern part of the United States. It is in fact a member of the sunflower family. However, unlike other species in this family, it prefers to grow by itself instead of with others.

Cheerful sunflower

Cheerful sunflower

The cheerful sunflower is a perennial plant known for its yellow blooms. This is one of the showiest and largest sunflower species and the blooms generally show up in late summer. It is often grown as an ornamental plant.

Few-leaf sunflower

The Helianthus occidentalis, also descriptively called the few-leaf sunflower, is found in the eastern and central United States. Its sparse leaves can distinguish it from other similar flowers, as the common name implies.

Snowy sunflower

Snowy sunflower

H. niveus is a taprooted annual or perennial sunflower growing to a maximum height over 1 m. The leaves are oval or lance-shaped, often with irregular lobes or teeth, and are covered in soft, white hairs. The flower heads are fringed with 13-21 bright yellow ray florets up to 2.5 cm long surrounding a center of yellow to purple-red disc florets.

Porter's sunflower

Helianthus porteri grows on granite hillsides. It is an annual herb up to 1 m tall. One plant usually produces 5 or more flower heads, each containing 7 or 8 yellow ray florets surrounding 30 or more yellow disc florets.

Rayless sunflower

Helianthus radula grows in sandy, open woodlands such as pine barrens. It is an perennial herb up to 1 m tall. One plant usually produces only one flower head, containing 0-8 yellow ray florets surrounding sometimes as many as 150 or more yellow or brown disc florets.

Smith's sunflower

Helianthus smithii grows in wet, mucky soils in marshes, ditches, and roadsides. It is a perennial herb up to 2.5 m (over 2.5 m) tall, spreading by means of underground rhizomes. One plant usually produces 1-15 flower heads, each containing 12–23 yellow ray florets surrounding 100 or more red, yellow, or brown disc florets.

Willow-leaf sunflower 'First Light'

Willow-leaf sunflower 'First Light'

Willow-leaf sunflower 'First Light' is a dwarf hybrid Willow-leaf sunflower and is the result of the cross between the non-patented H. salicifolia cultivars ‘Golden Pyramid’ and ‘Autumn Glory’. It is much shorter than the original species reaching only 1.2 m instead of 3 m. The leaves of this cultivar are fuzzy and the seeds are sterile. The name may refer to how easily this flower can be spotted due to its height and abundant blooms

Common sunflower 'Vincent's Choice'

Common sunflower 'Vincent's Choice'

Common sunflower 'Vincent's Choice' boasts large blossoms with overlapping rounded petals. These petals are bright gold and surround a dark brown center. This sunflower is less sensitive to day length than other sunflowers, which allows gardeners to seed them earlier in the season. Common sunflower 'Vincent's Choice' is named after Vincent Van Gogh, who enjoyed painting sunflowers.

Common sunflower 'Tall Single'

Common sunflower 'Tall Single'

Common sunflower 'Tall Single' is the picture-perfect sunflower with large yellow petals and a brown center filled with seeds. The name refers to the fact that this single stemmed flower grows quite fast and very tall (up to 3 m).

Common sunflower 'Mammoth Grey Stripe'

Common sunflower 'Mammoth Grey Stripe'

Common sunflower 'Mammoth Grey Stripe' is a popular plant in gardens for its large yellow flowers and edible seeds. Native to North America, it was cultivated by Native Americans for its oil-rich seeds. It attracts birds and insects with its nectar and pollen, and blooms in summer and autumn.

Common sunflower 'Ring of Fire'

Common sunflower 'Ring of Fire'

Common sunflower 'Ring of Fire' with its rich red and golden yellow petals, is a stunning addition to any garden. Be cautious around young seedlings as they may be toxic to livestock and small animals.

Willow-leaf sunflower 'Low Down'

Willow-leaf sunflower 'Low Down'

Low down in both name and nature, willow-leaf sunflower 'Low Down' is a dwarf hybrid Willow-leaf sunflower that is shorter and has smaller leaves and flowers than its parent plant. The attractive orange flowers are the main draw for gardeners and this late summer/early fall bloomer contrasts nicely with other fall-blooming garden favorites like asters.

Common sunflower 'Gypsy Charmer'

Common sunflower 'Gypsy Charmer'

Common sunflower 'Gypsy Charmer' is a decorative, branching sunflower cultivar that got its name from its playful, warm coloration. The petals are multicolored, with at least two hues of yellow and a rosy-red as the most distinct colors. The blossoms are numerous and can measure up to 20 cm across. Common sunflower 'Gypsy Charmer' holds pollen well and doesn't dust surfaces, so it is a popular variety for making bouquets.

Cheerful sunflower 'Lemon Queen'

Cheerful sunflower 'Lemon Queen'

Brighten up your garden with cheerful sunflower 'Lemon Queen'. With its lemon-yellow petals and dark brown center, it's a delightful sight to behold! Native to North America, this sunflower attracts bees and butterflies and is perfect for cut flower arrangements.

Common sunflower 'Taiyo'

Common sunflower 'Taiyo'

Common sunflower 'Taiyo' is a variety of the common sunflower. What sets this cultivar apart is the unique bull's-eye pattern where the outer ring has a lighter color than the one in the center. The sunflower seeds are not nuts but dry fruits called achenes.

Jerusalem artichoke 'Fuseau'

Jerusalem artichoke 'Fuseau'

Jerusalem artichoke 'Fuseau' is grown for culinary uses. This variety is noted for its smooth skin, which allows it to be peeled more easily than other varieties. This variety is also noted for the larger size of its tubers.

Common sunflower 'Strawberry Blonde'

Common sunflower 'Strawberry Blonde'

Common sunflower 'Strawberry Blonde' boasts striking two-tone petals in shades of pink and yellow, making it a standout in any garden. The plant attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its high nectar production.

Lemon Queen Sunflower

Lemon Queen Sunflower

Lemon Queen Sunflower is a striking perennial known for its pale yellow blooms that mimic the soft hues of morning sunlight. Towering up to 6 feet, these plants sway with large, daisy-like flowers that are a magnet for bees and butterflies. Their sturdy stems and lush, heart-shaped leaves thrive in full sun, illuminating gardens throughout the late summer months.

Silverleaf sunflower

Silverleaf sunflower

The silverleaf sunflower is a tall, fast-growing, and low-maintenance perennial plant. It produces attractive yellow and large flower heads. It has smooth, silvery foliage, thus its common name 'Silverleaf.' silverleaf sunflower is a perfect choice for cottage, wildflower, and butterfly gardens.

Common sunflower 'Claret'

Common sunflower 'Claret'

Common sunflower 'Claret' can reach up to 8 feet tall and has stunning burgundy purple flowers. It is a popular garden flower and a major source of edible oil. The flowers are also edible, and the seeds attract many bird species. This sunflower blooms in the summer and prefers well-drained soil in full sunlight.

Sunflowers 'Loddon Gold'

Sunflowers 'Loddon Gold'

Sunflowers 'Loddon Gold' is a highly unusual sunflower with a flower so different, you might not even think it is part of the sunflower family. Instead of the round-faced sun shape, the flowers of this hybrid are a densely packed cluster of bright golden petals without a discernible center. This sunflower is named for its golden flowers and also for the town of Loddon in Norfolk, England.

Common sunflower 'Suntastic Yellow with Black Center'

Helianthus annuus 'Suntastic Yellow with Black Center'

Common sunflower 'Suntastic Yellow with Black Center'

Common sunflower 'Suntastic Yellow with Black Center' is a cultivated plant from the daisy family. The plant is named "Suntastic Yellow with Black Center" for the color of the petals and its dark center. The bright yellow petals also make the plant a favorite in summer gardens and containers. Common sunflower 'Suntastic Yellow with Black Center' is bred as a dwarf, making it stand out from its taller relatives.

Sunsation Yellow Sunflower

Sunsation Yellow Sunflower

Sunsation Yellow Sunflower is a compact sunflower variety, growing to between 61 cm and 91 cm tall with flowers that grow to about 15 cm across. Gardeners like this particular cultivar of sunflower as it can easily be grown in pots, unlike other larger varieties. It is also unique because it produces multiple buds.

Common sunflower 'Russian Mammoth'

Common sunflower 'Russian Mammoth'

Common sunflower 'Russian Mammoth' is bred from the sunflower plant and its cultivar name reflects its dramatic size as well as its initial commercialization in Russia. This is a giant variety of the sunflower, with huge yellow flowers, bright yellow petals, and a dark central core, all set on very sturdy stalks. This cultivar is popular for dramatic statements in home gardens!

Common sunflower 'Evening Sun'

Common sunflower 'Evening Sun'

Common sunflower 'Evening Sun' stands out from other sunflowers with petals that are reminiscent of a sunset - a fact reflected in its name. These oblong petals come in shades of red, orange, and burgundy and circle around a large brown center. This lovely sunflower grows 1.8 to 2.5 m tall.

Common sunflower 'Teddy Bear'

Common sunflower 'Teddy Bear'

Common sunflower 'Teddy Bear' certainly looks more like a golden fluffy teddy bear than the common sunflower from which it was bred. This sunflower produces fluffy double flowers with a rounded, pompom-like appearance. It's truly unique and particularly attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds.

Sunflowers 'Happy Days'

Sunflowers 'Happy Days'

The name of sunflowers 'Happy Days' hints at its joyful flowers, which are large and have vibrant golden yellow petals surrounding a prominent, slightly darker yellow center. This cultivar is planted not only for its ornamental nature in the garden, but for its attractiveness to pollinators and use as a cut flower.

Common sunflower 'Floristan'

Common sunflower 'Floristan'

Common sunflower 'Floristan' has an unusual flower color compared to other Common sunflowers, with dark red petals that fade to yellow at the tips. This color is a marked difference from the all-yellow blooms typical of the parent plant and these unique flowers make for standout garden feature plants.

Common sunflower 'Arikara'

Common sunflower 'Arikara'

A fast-growing variety of sunflower, these giant and bright flowers have hairy, heart-shaped leaves adorning their stems. Common sunflower 'Arikara' was cultivated as a sunflower hybrid and named for the Native American tribe that discovered this variety. Common sunflower 'Arikara' is beloved for its ease of care, unique foliage, and beautiful flowers.

Common sunflower 'Firecracker'

Common sunflower 'Firecracker'

Common sunflower 'Firecracker' is a vibrant cultivar known for its striking, red-tinged sunflowers that set gardens ablaze with color. The radiant, fiery blooms feature a dark center and grow on sturdy stems reaching up to six feet. These sun-loving plants thrive in well-drained soil and full sunlight, their large, broad leaves turning to follow the sun's path across the sky. Common sunflower 'Firecracker''s height and bold blossoms make it an eye-catching focal point in any sunlit garden.

Purpledisk sunflower 'Monarch'

Purpledisk sunflower 'Monarch'

Purpledisk sunflower 'Monarch' stands out with its vibrant crimson petals surrounding a dark brown core, reflecting its sun-loving nature. A towering perennial, it draws butterflies with its blooms from late summer to fall. Its hardy stems support the bold flower heads, which enliven native gardens and attract pollinators, embodying the warmth of its sunny habitat.

Common sunflower 'Soraya'

Common sunflower 'Soraya'

With bright, tawny-orange petals surrounding a rich chocolate center, common sunflower 'Soraya' radiates warmth and color. This annual cultivar, typically reaching heights of 5-6 feet, thrives in sunny environments. The vibrant, medium-sized blooms not only attract pollinators but also make common sunflower 'Soraya' a standout in gardens and as a cut flower with a robust, upright stance.

California sunflower

California sunflower

California sunflower is a resilient perennial that flourishes in Californian environments, exhibiting a bushy formation dotted with vibrant yellow flowers. Its tall stems and broad, rough leaves adapt well to sunny climes, drawing pollinators to their large, daisy-like blooms. This species' sturdy nature allows it to thrive amid the seasonal fluctuations of its native habitats.

More Popular Genus

Feedback

Dracaena

Fig trees

Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.

Brambles

Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.

Maples

Prunus

Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.

Nightshades

Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.

Roses

Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.

Oaks

Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.

Sunflowers

Helianthus

Sunflowers are favorites of birds and bees. The flowers will rotate throughout the day to face the sun. Commercially grown for its seeds, toasted sunflower seeds are a favorite snack or condiment for salads and other food. Oil extracted from the seeds is also used for cooking.

Lifespan

Annual

Plant Type

Herb/Vine

Key Facts About Sunflowers

Feedback

Attributes of Sunflowers

Plant Height

4 m

Spread

50 cm

Flower Size

8 cm to 15 cm

Leaf type

Deciduous

Ideal Temperature

20 - 35 ℃

Scientific Classification of Sunflowers

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

Family

Daisy

Genus

Sunflowers

Distribution of Sunflowers

Feedback

Distribution Map of Sunflowers

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

How to Grow and Care for Sunflowers

Feedback

How to Water Sunflowers?

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Sunflowers?

How to Propagate Sunflowers?

How to Plant Sunflowers?

More Info About Caring for Sunflowers

Exploring the Sunflowers Plants

Feedback

8 most common species：

Show More Species

All Species of Sunflowers

Willow-leaf sunflower 'First Light'

Common sunflower 'Vincent's Choice'

Common sunflower 'Tall Single'

Common sunflower 'Mammoth Grey Stripe'

Common sunflower 'Ring of Fire'

Willow-leaf sunflower 'Low Down'

Common sunflower 'Gypsy Charmer'

Cheerful sunflower 'Lemon Queen'

Common sunflower 'Taiyo'

Jerusalem artichoke 'Fuseau'

Common sunflower 'Strawberry Blonde'

Lemon Queen Sunflower

Silverleaf sunflower

Common sunflower 'Claret'

Sunflowers 'Loddon Gold'

Common sunflower 'Suntastic Yellow with Black Center'

Sunsation Yellow Sunflower

Common sunflower 'Russian Mammoth'

Common sunflower 'Evening Sun'

Common sunflower 'Teddy Bear'

Sunflowers 'Happy Days'

Common sunflower 'Floristan'

Common sunflower 'Arikara'

Common sunflower 'Firecracker'

Purpledisk sunflower 'Monarch'

Common sunflower 'Soraya'

California sunflower

More Popular Genus

Feedback

Cookie Name	Source	Purpose	Lifespan
_ga	Google Analytics	These cookies are set because of our use of Google Analytics. They are used to collect information about your use of our application/website. The cookies collect specific information, such as your IP address, data related to your device and other information about your use of the application/website. Please note that the data processing is essentially carried out by Google LLC and Google may use your data collected by the cookies for own purposes, e.g. profiling and will combine it with other data such as your Google Account. For more information about how Google processes your data and Google’s approach to privacy as well as implemented safeguards for your data, please see here.	1 Year
_pta	PictureThis Analytics	We use these cookies to collect information about how you use our site, monitor site performance, and improve our site performance, our services, and your experience.	1 Year

Cookie Name	Source	Purpose	Lifespan
_fbp	Facebook Pixel	A conversion pixel tracking that we use for retargeting campaigns. Learn more here.	1 Year
_adj	Adjust	This cookie provides mobile analytics and attribution services that enable us to measure and analyze the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, certain events and actions within the Application. Learn more here.	1 Year