Cucumberleaf Sunflower
Location
Native Plants
Cucumberleaf Sunflower
Helianthus debilis
- Common name: Cucumberleaf sunflower, beach sunflower, weak sunflower, East Coast dune sunflower
- Scientific name: Helianthus debilis
- Family name: Asteraceae
- Origin: United States Atlantic and Gulf coasts
- Height: 1 to 2.5 ft
- Width: 2 to 8 ft
- Growth: Fast
- Zone: USDA zones 8 through 11
- Light needs: Full sun
- Salt tolerance: Very tolerant of salt spray, but not tolerant of saltwater inundation
- Soil/pH/Texture: Prefers a sandy, well drained soil with a slightly acidic pH between 5.2 and 7.2.
- Moisture: Water until established. Once established, this plant will not need regular watering.
- Drought tolerance: High
- Pests/Diseases: Overwatering may cause sunflower rust.
- Growing conditions: This plant should grow in a warm, sunny, and dry area. Sandy soil is the recommended substrate for it, although it can be planted in other types of soil if it is well-drained and not too moist. Because of its drought tolerance and low water needs, this plant is suitable for coastal areas and other dry environments.
- Characteristics: This plant grows quickly and forms a low, dense thicket. The stems are thin and light green. Leaves are spade-shaped, alternately arranged, and toothed along the edges. Flowers are bright yellow with 10 to 20 petals surrounding a dark brown center. Fruits and seeds are dark brown and inconspicuous. This plant is an annual that will die back in winter, but it readily self-seeds and will grow back the next year.
- Propagation: By seeds
- Wildlife: Small animals often live in the thicket that this plant forms and will eat the seeds. The flowers attract butterflies and bees.
- Facts: There are several subspecies, many of which are endemic to different areas along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
- Designer considerations: This plant is a common choice for coastal gardens, where it is very low-maintenance and adds pops of color. It is also a good choice for butterfly gardens and native plant gardens. Since it grows low to the ground, it should be paired with taller plants, especially other colorful wildflowers.
