Aspen Sunflower
Helianthella quinquenervis
Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown
Aspen Sunflower (Helianthella quinquenervis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Aspen Sunflower is a native wildflower with bright yellow daisy-like blooms and five-veined leaves. This compact perennial produces cheerful flowers throughout summer months and tolerates drought conditions well. The plant forms neat clumps that work well in both formal and informal garden settings.
In an HOA neighborhood
Aspen Sunflower is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- May look sparse in early spring before growth begins
Wildlife value
Attracts a diverse range of pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and beetles during its long summer bloom period. The seeds also provide food for birds in late summer and fall.
Common questions
- How much sun does Aspen Sunflower need?
- Aspen Sunflower grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Aspen Sunflower bloom?
- Aspen Sunflower blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Aspen Sunflower native?
- Aspen Sunflower (Helianthella quinquenervis) is native to AZ, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Aspen Sunflower attract?
- Aspen Sunflower draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
- Is Aspen Sunflower HOA-friendly?
- Aspen Sunflower is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Aspen Sunflower? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz