How much sun does Nuttall'S Sunflower need?

Nuttall'S Sunflower grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Nuttall'S Sunflower bloom?

Nuttall'S Sunflower blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Nuttall'S Sunflower native?

Nuttall'S Sunflower (Helianthus nuttallii) is native to AZ, CA, CO, IA and 15 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Nuttall'S Sunflower attract?

Nuttall'S Sunflower draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.

Is Nuttall'S Sunflower HOA-friendly?

Nuttall'S Sunflower takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Nuttall'S Sunflower

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Helianthus nuttallii

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

24"–72" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, IA and 15 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range

Nuttall's sunflower is a tall native perennial that produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers from summer through early fall. This robust wildflower can reach up to 6 feet tall and spreads slowly to form colonies over time.

In an HOA neighborhood

Nuttall'S Sunflower takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Very tall growth can appear uncontrolled
Spreads to form colonies
Dies back completely in winter leaving tall brown stems

Wildlife value

The cheerful blooms attract bees, butterflies, and beetles throughout the summer flowering period. Seeds provide food for birds in fall and winter.

Common questions

How much sun does Nuttall'S Sunflower need?: Nuttall'S Sunflower grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Nuttall'S Sunflower bloom?: Nuttall'S Sunflower blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Nuttall'S Sunflower native?: Nuttall'S Sunflower (Helianthus nuttallii) is native to AZ, CA, CO, IA and 15 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Nuttall'S Sunflower attract?: Nuttall'S Sunflower draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
Is Nuttall'S Sunflower HOA-friendly?: Nuttall'S Sunflower takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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