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Woodland Sunflower
Left: Helianthus divaricates in ASMSA Garden in late summer 2025.
Left: Helianthus divaricates in ASMSA Garden in late summer 2025.
Below: Helianthus divaricates in the wild.
Below: Helianthus divaricates in the wild.
Plant Characteristics
Plant Characteristics
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.
Distribution
Distribution
Habitat: Woodland sunflowers are found in rocky or sandy woodlands or dry open sites.
Native to Arkansas? Yes
Native to Garland County? yes
Endemic to Arkansas? Yes
Ecological Value
Ecological Value
Host Plant for Caterpillars?
Yes. Woodland sunflowers are infact hosts for many different types of caterpillars. 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 and help reduce carbon monoxide in the air. Woodland sunflowers are a natural air purifier and are drought resistant.
Other Interesting Facts
Other Interesting Facts
Origin of Name: "Helianthus divaricates" derives from the Latin term "divaricates" which means "spreading in a straggling manner, reflecting the plant's growth characteristics.
Related Plant Species: Diasy-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 riding children and adults of worms.
References
References
N/A , Gardenia: Creating Gardens, [Cited 2025, Sept 7]. Available from: Helianthus divaricates (Woodland Sunflower)
N/A, North Carolina State University, Helianthus divaricatus, [Cited 2025, Sept 7]. Available from: Helianthus divaricatus (Rough Sunflower, Woodland Sunflower) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
N/A, US Perennials, [Cited 2025, Sept 7]. Available from: Woodland Sunflower - Helianthus divaricatus
N/A, 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
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