Dark-eyed Sunflower
Helianthus atrorubens
Last reviewed: August 2026
Helianthus atrorubens (Dark-eyed Sunflower) is a native wildflower blooming July through September across the southeastern United States. This drought-tolerant perennial attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles with its bright yellow flowers.
Toxicity unknown
Dark-eyed Sunflower (Helianthus atrorubens) 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
24"–48" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, FL, GA, KY and 6 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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Dark-eyed sunflower is a native perennial that produces cheerful yellow daisy-like flowers with dark centers from summer through early fall. This drought-tolerant plant forms neat clumps and reaches 2-4 feet tall, making it an excellent low-maintenance addition to sunny gardens.
Growing Dark-eyed Sunflower
Grow Dark-eyed Sunflower in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Dark-eyed 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 winter when dormant
Wildlife value
Host plant for silvery checkerspot.
The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial beetles throughout the blooming season. Seeds provide food for goldfinches and other songbirds in fall and winter.
Common questions
- Where does Helianthus atrorubens naturally grow?
- Dark-eyed Sunflower is native to the southeastern United States, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, New Jersey, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
- When does Dark-eyed Sunflower bloom?
- Helianthus atrorubens typically blooms from July through September, producing yellow flowers during the late summer months.
- What pollinators visit Dark-eyed Sunflower?
- This native sunflower attracts various pollinators including bees, butterflies, and beetles, making it valuable for supporting native pollinator populations.
- How much water does Helianthus atrorubens need?
- Dark-eyed Sunflower is drought-tolerant and thrives with low water requirements once established, though it can tolerate moderate moisture levels.
- Is Dark-eyed Sunflower HOA-friendly?
- Dark-eyed Sunflower is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
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.
Ready to grow Dark-eyed 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