Sawtooth Sunflower
Helianthus grosseserratus
Last reviewed: June 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.
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
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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.
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.
Does Sawtooth Sunflower fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.