When does Helianthus atrorubens bloom?

This sunflower typically flowers from July through September, with yellow petals surrounding a dark reddish brown center.

What kind of light does this sunflower need?

It grows best in full sun but can tolerate light shade for part of the day, especially at the edges of open woodland.

How much water does Helianthus atrorubens need?

Once established it handles low water and dry spells well, though it also grows fine with moderate, regular moisture.

What pollinators visit this plant?

Bees, butterflies, and beetles regularly visit the flower heads for nectar and pollen.

Is this a woody plant or does it die back each year?

It is a deciduous herbaceous perennial that dies back to the ground after the growing season and regrows from its base each spring.

Is Dark-eyed Sunflower HOA-friendly?

Dark-eyed Sunflower is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Dark-eyed Sunflower

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Helianthus atrorubens

Last reviewed: August 2026

Helianthus atrorubens is a tall perennial forb that blooms from July through September, producing yellow ray flowers around a dark central disk. It thrives in full sun on well drained soil and tolerates dry conditions once established.

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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Eastern Temperate Forests Interior Plateau

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

When does Helianthus atrorubens bloom?: This sunflower typically flowers from July through September, with yellow petals surrounding a dark reddish brown center.
What kind of light does this sunflower need?: It grows best in full sun but can tolerate light shade for part of the day, especially at the edges of open woodland.
How much water does Helianthus atrorubens need?: Once established it handles low water and dry spells well, though it also grows fine with moderate, regular moisture.
What pollinators visit this plant?: Bees, butterflies, and beetles regularly visit the flower heads for nectar and pollen.
Is this a woody plant or does it die back each year?: It is a deciduous herbaceous perennial that dies back to the ground after the growing season and regrows from its base each spring.
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.

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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Dark-eyed Sunflower? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz