Skip to main content

Pale-leaved sunflower

Helianthus strumosus

Last reviewed: September 2026

Pale-leaved sunflower (Helianthus strumosus) is a perennial forb native to AL, AR, CT, DC and 32 more states. It blooms in July, August, and September. The flowers draw bees and butterflies.

Pale-leaved sunflower (Helianthus strumosus)
Photo: no rights reserved

Toxicity unknown

Pale-leaved sunflower (Helianthus strumosus) 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

36"–72" H × 24"–36" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DC and 32 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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 458 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

South Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

A tall, spreading perennial sunflower with smooth-margined leaves and bright yellow daisy flowers in late summer. It spreads readily by underground rhizomes to form colonies and may need containment.

Growing Pale-leaved sunflower

Grow Pale-leaved sunflower in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for silvery checkerspot.

Nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies, and foliage hosts silvery checkerspot caterpillars; seeds feed songbirds in fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Pale-leaved sunflower need?
Pale-leaved sunflower grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Pale-leaved sunflower bloom?
Pale-leaved sunflower blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Pale-leaved sunflower native?
Pale-leaved sunflower (Helianthus strumosus) is native to AL, AR, CT, DC and 32 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What butterflies or moths does Pale-leaved sunflower host?
Pale-leaved sunflower is a larval host plant for silvery checkerspot.

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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Pale-leaved 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 appAndroid app