Sunflower
Helianthus annuus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–120" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, CA, NV, WA
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Sunflowers are tall, cheerful annuals with large yellow blooms that follow the sun throughout the day. These iconic plants can reach up to 10 feet tall and produce edible seeds that birds love. They bloom from summer into early fall and need to be replanted each year.
In an HOA neighborhood
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.
- Extremely tall growth appears too wild for front yards
- Can look messy as flowers fade and stalks brown
- May be perceived as agricultural rather than ornamental
Wildlife value
Host plant for painted lady butterfly, sunflower moth.
Sunflowers are excellent pollinator magnets, attracting bees, butterflies, and beetles to their large flower heads. The seeds provide important fall and winter food for birds like finches and chickadees.
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 Sunflower fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.