Lakeside sunflower
Helianthus carnosus
Last reviewed: September 2026
Lakeside sunflower (Helianthus carnosus) is a perennial forb native to FL. It blooms in September, October, and November. The flowers draw bees and butterflies.
Toxicity unknown
Lakeside sunflower (Helianthus carnosus) 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
high
Size
12"–30" H × 8"–16" W
Bloom
Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
FL
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
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Slender rhizomatous perennial with narrow fleshy leaves and small yellow sunflower-like blooms in fall, found in wet pine flatwoods and seasonally flooded prairies. A rare, narrowly distributed species.
Growing Lakeside sunflower
Grow Lakeside sunflower in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 12 to 30 inches tall and spread 8 to 16 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Fall flowers provide nectar for bees and butterflies in seasonally wet habitats.
Common questions
- How much sun does Lakeside sunflower need?
- Lakeside sunflower grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Lakeside sunflower bloom?
- Lakeside sunflower blooms in September, October, and November.
- Where is Lakeside sunflower native?
- Lakeside sunflower (Helianthus carnosus) is native to FL, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Lakeside sunflower attract?
- Lakeside sunflower draws bees and butterflies.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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 Lakeside sunflower? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.