Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:

Woodland sunflowers grow best in partial shade, in dry to medium well-drained soil.

Growth Habit/Description:

This flower can grow between 2 to 5 feet tall. The have an upright, clumpy build.

Bloom Season:

Woodland sunflower typically blooms between July and September of the year.

Fall and/or Winter Interest?

No.

Host Plant for Caterpillars?

Yes.  Woodland sunflowers are in fact hosts for many different types of caterpillars, including the Silvery Checkerspot caterpillar, Gorgone Checkerspot caterpillar, Painted Lady caterpillar, Banded Sunflower Moth, and Sunflower Borer Moth. The caterpillars feed on the sunflowers, making them an important source of food for these insects.

Other Known Ecological Value?

Yes.   Woodland sunflowers provide natural habitats for small insects such as caterpillars. They also attract pollinators, provide seeds that are eaten by many small birds, squirrels, and mice, are a natural air purifier, and are drought resistant. 

Origin of Name:  "Helianthus" derives from the Greek words 'heilos' for sun and 'anthus' for flower.  The Latin term "Divaricates" means "spreading in a straggling manner," reflecting the plant's growth characteristics.

Related Plant Species:   Daisy-like flowers are under or related to Helianthus plants. These include Common sunflowers, California sunflowers, Jerusalem artichoke, oxeye sunflowers, and southeastern sunflowers.

Use For Food/Medicine:

Woodland sunflowers are not considered edible. However, they are used for traditional medicines and have been used to aid in ridding children and adults of worms.

Gardenia: Creating Gardens, [Cited 2025, Sept 7].   Available from:  Helianthus divaricates (Woodland Sunflower) 

North Carolina State University, Helianthus divaricatus, [Cited 2025, Sept 7].  Available from:  Helianthus divaricatus (Rough Sunflower, Woodland Sunflower) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox 

US Perennials,  [Cited 2025, Sept 7].   Available from:  Woodland Sunflower - Helianthus divaricatus 

Song of the Woods, Sunflower – Helianthus Annuus: Edible & Medicinal Uses of the Sun-facer of Wild Plants, [citied 2025, Sept 7].   Available from: Sunflower – Helianthus Annuus: Edible & Medicinal Uses of the Sun-facer of Wild Plants - Song of the Woods 

Entry created by Mahlayshia Jenkins, September 2025.