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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

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: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Nuttall'S Sunflower (Helianthus nuttallii) 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

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

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 area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Northwestern Forested Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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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