Sawtooth Sunflower
Helianthus grosseserratus
Last reviewed: August 2026
Helianthus grosseserratus (Sawtooth Sunflower) is a native perennial forb blooming June through November across eastern and central United States. This yellow-flowered sunflower attracts butterflies, bees, and moths in prairies and wetlands.
Toxicity unknown
Sawtooth Sunflower (Helianthus grosseserratus) 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.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Sawtooth Sunflower as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
36"–180" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
AR, CT, DE, GA and 28 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, bees, moths
Before you buy
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Sawtooth Sunflower is a tall native perennial that produces bright yellow flowers from summer through late fall. It forms narrow clumps and can reach 3 to 15 feet in height, making it an excellent backdrop plant for larger garden spaces.
Growing Sawtooth Sunflower
Grow Sawtooth Sunflower in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 180 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sawtooth Sunflower takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Wildlife value
This sunflower is a pollinator magnet, attracting butterflies, bees, and moths throughout its extended blooming season. The seeds also provide food for birds in late fall and winter.
Common questions
- When does Sawtooth Sunflower bloom?
- Helianthus grosseserratus blooms from June through November, providing late season nectar when many other native plants have finished flowering.
- What pollinators visit Sawtooth Sunflower?
- Sawtooth Sunflower attracts butterflies, bees, and moths. The extended bloom period makes it particularly valuable for supporting pollinators through fall.
- Where is Sawtooth Sunflower native?
- This sunflower is native to much of eastern and central North America, from Maine south to Georgia and Texas, and west to North Dakota and Kansas.
- What growing conditions does Sawtooth Sunflower prefer?
- Helianthus grosseserratus grows best in full sun with medium moisture but adapts to various water conditions from wet to dry soils.
- Is Sawtooth Sunflower toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Sawtooth Sunflower as toxic to livestock.
- Is Sawtooth Sunflower HOA-friendly?
- Sawtooth Sunflower takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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.
Ready to grow Sawtooth Sunflower? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz