How much sun does Slender sunflower need?

Slender sunflower grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Slender sunflower bloom?

Slender sunflower blooms in March, April, May, and June.

Where is Slender sunflower native?

Slender sunflower (Helianthus gracilentus) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What butterflies or moths does Slender sunflower host?

Slender sunflower is a larval host plant for painted lady.

Slender sunflower

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Helianthus gracilentus

Last reviewed: September 2026

Slender sunflower (Helianthus gracilentus) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in March, April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees and butterflies.

Toxicity unknown

Slender sunflower (Helianthus gracilentus) 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

low

Size

24"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun

Native to

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.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A slender, wiry perennial sunflower of dry chaparral slopes with narrow leaves and bright yellow daisy flowers on thin stems in spring. It can lean or flop after peak bloom without support.

Growing Slender sunflower

Grow Slender sunflower in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for painted lady.

Flowers are a reliable spring nectar source for native bees and butterflies, and the foliage supports painted lady caterpillars.

Common questions

How much sun does Slender sunflower need?: Slender sunflower grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Slender sunflower bloom?: Slender sunflower blooms in March, April, May, and June.
Where is Slender sunflower native?: Slender sunflower (Helianthus gracilentus) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What butterflies or moths does Slender sunflower host?: Slender sunflower is a larval host plant for painted lady.

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.

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 Slender sunflower? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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