Cucumberleaf sunflower
Helianthus debilis
Last reviewed: August 2026
Cucumberleaf sunflower (Helianthus debilis) is a perennial forb native to AL, CT, FL, GA and 15 more states. It blooms in April, May, June, July, August, September, and October. The flowers draw bees and butterflies. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Toxicity unknown
Cucumberleaf sunflower (Helianthus debilis) 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
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 24"–48" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
AL, CT, FL, GA and 15 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
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 445 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
A sprawling, low-mounding perennial forb with rough, triangular, toothed leaves and cheerful yellow daisy-like flowers with dark centers held on branching stems. Blooms nearly continuously through the warm season and spreads readily as a groundcover. Tolerates sandy, well-drained soil, heat, and salt spray with low water once established.
Growing Cucumberleaf sunflower
Grow Cucumberleaf sunflower in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Cucumberleaf sunflower is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, street edge, mid zone.
- sprawling groundcover habit may need periodic edging to keep tidy
Wildlife value
Host plant for Bordered Patch, Silvery Checkerspot.
Long bloom season provides abundant nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies, and the foliage serves as a larval host for several butterfly species.
Common questions
- How much sun does Cucumberleaf sunflower need?
- Cucumberleaf sunflower grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Cucumberleaf sunflower bloom?
- Cucumberleaf sunflower blooms in April, May, June, July, August, September, and October.
- Where is Cucumberleaf sunflower native?
- Cucumberleaf sunflower (Helianthus debilis) is native to AL, CT, FL, GA and 15 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What butterflies or moths does Cucumberleaf sunflower host?
- Cucumberleaf sunflower is a larval host plant for Bordered Patch and Silvery Checkerspot.
- Is Cucumberleaf sunflower HOA-friendly?
- Cucumberleaf sunflower is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Cucumberleaf sunflower? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz