Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Asteraceae
Botanical Name
Helianthus angustifolius
Plant Common Name
Swamp Sunflower
General Description
Few sunflowers can withstand moist soil as well as the tall, narrow-leaved swamp sunflower. This bushy, upright perennial originates from regions across the eastern and southeastern United States. It naturally inhabits lowlands and floodplains where soil moisture is plentiful and drainage poor. Though adapted to wet conditions, established plants will withstand periods of drought.
In the spring and summer this clump-forming plant offers tall, upright stems lined with fine, linear green leaves. These are beautiful in and of themselves. In late summer to fall the stems become topped with lots of single, golden yellow daisies with brownish burgundy centers. The flower heads can be quite heavy and cause the tall plants to fall over, so staking is generally required. Another option is to cut its stems back by half in early summer, which will result in shorter sturdier plants.
Full sun is required and moist soil is preferred, though this sunflower can adapt to drier, average garden soil. It is great for wildlife; its flowers are highly attractive to butterflies, and its seeds are favored by seed-eating birds. Narrowleaf sunflower is a grand perennial with a structural habit. It is best placed in large showy borders and wildflower gardens. Plants may be short-lived but gently self-sow.
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Yellow, Gold, Brown
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Fruit Color
Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
