How much sun does Canyon sunflower need?

Canyon sunflower grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Canyon sunflower bloom?

Canyon sunflower blooms in March, April, May, and June.

Where is Canyon sunflower native?

Canyon sunflower (Venegasia carpesioides) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Canyon sunflower

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Venegasia carpesioides

Last reviewed: October 2026

Canyon sunflower (Venegasia carpesioides) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in March, April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees.

Toxicity unknown

Canyon sunflower (Venegasia carpesioides) 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 shade

Water

low

Size

24"–48" H × 24"–36" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun

Native to

Pollinators

bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A shrubby, canyon-dwelling perennial called canyon sunflower, with large soft triangular leaves and bright yellow daisy flowers held above the foliage over a long spring bloom, growing in shaded canyon bottoms.

Growing Canyon sunflower

Grow Canyon sunflower in part shade and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Its long spring bloom is a reliable nectar source for native bees in shaded canyon habitat.

Common questions

How much sun does Canyon sunflower need?: Canyon sunflower grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Canyon sunflower bloom?: Canyon sunflower blooms in March, April, May, and June.
Where is Canyon sunflower native?: Canyon sunflower (Venegasia carpesioides) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Canyon sunflower attract?: Canyon sunflower draws bees.

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.

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