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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.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: 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 , YellowBloom 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 , WICanada: 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: SunSoil Description: Various dry soils.
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesThis 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 PlantsFNA: Find Helianthus pauciflorus ssp. pauciflorus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Helianthus pauciflorus ssp. pauciflorus
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-12-28Research By: TWC Staff