Stiff Sunflower
Helianthus pauciflorus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Helianthus pauciflorus (Stiff Sunflower) is a drought-tolerant native wildflower blooming yellow from July through September across the Great Plains and eastern United States.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
24"–60" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AR, CO, CT, GA and 25 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Stiff sunflower is a hardy native perennial that produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers from summer through early fall. It forms upright clumps that can spread moderately over time, creating naturalistic drifts in sunny gardens. The plant goes dormant in winter, leaving brown stems that can be cut back in late fall or early spring.
Growing Stiff Sunflower
Grow Stiff Sunflower in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Stiff Sunflower is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- Can look weedy when dormant
- May spread beyond original planting area
- Tall growth might appear too informal for formal landscapes
Wildlife value
This sunflower is excellent for pollinators, attracting native bees, butterflies, and beneficial beetles throughout its long bloom period. The seeds also provide food for birds like goldfinches in fall and winter.
Common questions
- When does Helianthus pauciflorus bloom?
- Stiff Sunflower blooms from July through September, producing bright yellow daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators during late summer.
- What pollinators visit Stiff Sunflower?
- Helianthus pauciflorus attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles. The flowers provide nectar and pollen for native bee species and serve as important late-season pollinator resources.
- Where is Helianthus pauciflorus native?
- Stiff Sunflower is native to 31 states spanning from the Great Plains through much of the eastern United States, including Texas north to North Dakota and east to Maine.
- What growing conditions does Stiff Sunflower prefer?
- Helianthus pauciflorus thrives in full sun with low to moderate water needs. It is well-adapted to prairie conditions and tolerates drought once established.
- Is Stiff Sunflower HOA-friendly?
- Stiff Sunflower is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
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.
Ready to grow Stiff Sunflower? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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