Helianthus gracilentus
Slender Sunflower
Description
Helianthus gracilentus is a perennial herb that is native to California and is found only slightly beyond California borders. It is a species of sunflower known by the common name slender sunflower. Slender sunflower grows 2'- 6' tall and to 3'-6' wide. Even with no summer water (after it’s established), its foliage remains a fresh green thru the Fall. It will bear hundreds of cheery, 2”, bright yellow, chocolate scented daisies May to October. Semi-deciduous along the coast. Frost hardy, it returns each Spring after freezing. Excellent habitat plant & much loved nectar source for butterflies. Drought tolerant and deer resistant. Does best in full sun with sandy, well draining soil.
Plant Type
Perennial, Herb
Height Range
1-3', 3-6'
Width Range
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Leaf Color
Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full
Water
Very Low
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy
Soil Condition
Well-drained, Dry
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
English Cottage, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish
Accenting Features
Fall Color, Fragrance, Showy Flowers
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Location Uses
Entry, Lawn, Parking Strip, Patio, Park, Parking Lot, Raised Planter, Roadside, Walkways, With Rocks
Special Uses
Container, Erosion Control, Filler, Mass Planting, Lawn Substitute
Attracts Wildlife
Butterflies
Water Saving Tip:
Move turf away form sidewalks and pavement.
Instead plant shrubs or groundcovers next to the pavement, and water with low-flow drip or bubbler system to eliminate runoff from turf sprinklers