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California Sunflower

Helianthus californicus

herbaceous☀️ full sun💧 low water❄ Hardy: Zone 8a – Zone 10b

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A perennial native sunflower with bright yellow flowers from late summer into fall. It tolerates drought once established and draws pollinators with little upkeep.

Why grow it

It supplies nectar late in the season, when many other California natives have stopped blooming. Unlike annual sunflowers, it returns each year without replanting.

Watch out for

Young plants need regular watering until their roots are established. Self-seeding can be heavy in good conditions, so deadhead or collect seed if seedlings crowd neighboring plantings.

Overview

Form
upright, branching
Growth Rate
moderate
Size
3–6′ tall × 2–4′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous
Family
Asteraceae
biomass/mulchpollinator nectary

Native to the United States

Native Range

California

Native to: California

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SummerFall

Similar shrubs you might consider:

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Companion Planting

Plants well with