The Perennial Sunflowers
Helianthus spp.
Family: Asteraceae
Though the annual sunflower (Helianthus annua) is the most famous species in the genus, many native species are perennial plants, and some are very xeric (dry growing) species worth attention, particularly since sunflowers are such good wildlife plants.
Most take full sun, some need more water than others. Most plants are surprisingly cold hardy. Some are evergreen, some die to the roots in winter.
Nectar rich flowers for butterflies and bees. Finches and other granivorous birds consume the seeds. Larval food plant for the painted lady (Vanessa cardui), Milbert’s tortoiseshell (Aglais milberti), California patch (Chlosyne californica), bordered patch (Chlosyne lacinia), alfalfa looper moth (Autographa californica), White-speck Moth Mythimna unipuncta, and others.
There are 79 species of Helianthus. Except for three South American species, most species of Helianthus are native to North America and Central America. The scientific name Helianthus comes from the Greek words Helios, meaning "sun", and anthos, meaning "flower".
Texas Blueweed (Helianthus ciliaris) Perennial sunflowers growing to about 2’ tall from rhizomatous, creeping roots. Yellow sunflower flowers in summer into fall. Full sun, moderate water with good drainage, hardy to probably about 15°F. Photo by Barry Keith, iNaturalist
Maximilian Sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani) Herbaceous perennials from tuberous roots growing to as much as 15’ tall (most often about 6-8’ in the low desert). Yellow flowers appear in late summer into fall. Full sun, moderate water, hardy to at least -20°F. Photo by smwhite, iNaturalist
Showy Sunflower (Helianthus niveus) Xeric-growing perennial sunflower (annuals if they don’t receive enough timely water), from taproots, growing up to 3+’ tall. Yellow flowers in summer into fall. Full sun, moderate to low water with good drainage, hardiness in the mid 20s °F. Photo by Mark Dimmitt, SEINET