Dune sunflower
Pictured above: Dune sunflower (Helianthus debilis) in a coastal garden setting by Emily Bell. Click on terms for botanical definitions. View post as a PDF.
Dune sunflower occurs naturally along the coast but adapts well for inland use. Its bright flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies, moths, and bees. Its dense growth pattern provides cover for many small animals, while birds enjoy its seeds.
Blooms consist of brownish-red disk florets surrounded by yellow ray florets. Leaves are deltoid-shaped with rough surfaces and toothed margins. They are alternately arranged.
Family: Asteraceae (Aster, daisy or composite famiily)
Native range: H. debilis is native only to the counties along the east coast. However, there are two subspecies: cucumberleaf dune sunflower (H. debilis subsp. cucumerifolius), which is native to scattered counties throughout the Panhandle and a few peninsular counties; and west coast dune sunflower (H. debilis subsp. vestitus), which is endemic only to Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties. (See caution below.)
To see where natural populations of Dune sunflower have been vouchered, visit florida.plantatlas.usf.edu (east coast dune sunflower), florida.plantatlas.usf.edu (cucumber leaf dune sunflower) and florida.plantatlas.usf.edu (west coast dune sunflower).
Lifespan: Short-lived perennial to annual
Soil: Dry, well-drained sandy soils
Exposure: Full sun
Growth habit: 1-2’ tall with 3-4’ spread
Propagation: Seed, cuttings
Florida regions of landscape suitability: North, Central, South
Garden tips: Dune sunflower can tolerate salt and wind. Plant in full sun for best flowering. It is a prolific self-seeder and will spread quickly if not maintained. Depending on the variety, this plant may be spreading or upright. As a groundcover, it may sprawl several feet but generally is no more than 2 feet high. West coast dune sunflower can be taller.
Caution: Subspecies can hybridize and should not be planted together. In landscape or garden settings, the subspecies native to/or appropriate for the region should be used. Environmentally conscientious gardeners should ask their nursery for the subspecies native to their locale. This will help preserve the distinct identities and ecological roles of these plants.
East coast dune sunflower seeds are available through the Florida Wildflower Growers Cooperative. Plants are often available at nurseries that specialize in native plants. Visit www.PlantRealFlorida.org to find a native nursery in your area.
Learn more about Dune sunflower from the Florida Native Plant Society (H. debilis, H. debilis subsp. cucumerifolius, H. debilis subsp. vestitus) and the Institute for Regional Conservation (H. debilis)
For information on other Helianthus species, see these resources:
Florida sunflower
Lakeside sunflower
Rayless sunflower
