Helianthus angustifolius L.

Narrowleaf Sunflower; Swamp Sunflower

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Narrowleaf Sunflower is a native herbaceous perennial in the Sunflower family (Asteraceae). It occurs throughout Alabama. Narrowleaf Sunflower typically occurs in low moist woods, along creeks and rivers, in bogs, and in wet meadows. It often colonizes disturbed sites such as clear cuts, roadsides, and old fields. It is a perennial with a very short rhizome and fibrous root system. Plants form clumps from basal offshoots. Stems are erect, green or brown in color, and pubescent. Narrowleaf Sunflower grows to a height of three to six feet. The stems are branched from the middle or lower. Leaves are sessile, linear in outline, often revolute, pubescent, with entire margins. As the common name implies, the leaves are only about half an inch wide, but can be over eight inches long. They are alternate on the stem above the middle, but may be opposite near the base. Flowers are produced in heads. The ray flowers are golden yellow and the disc flowers are reddish brown. Each stem may have fifty to one hundred flower heads. Narrowleaf Sunflower will grow in most soil types, but thrives in moist organic soils. The plants can stand some drought, but should be watered if the foliage begins to droop. Plants prefer full or partial sun. Narrowleaf Sunflower has been cultivated for many years, and is available as plants or seed from many nurseries. There are many named cultivars that differ in height, flower head size, ray color, and branching. Narrowleaf Sunflower can be used along streams or ponds, at the back of perennial beds, or along a woodland margin. It stands out when massed.--A. Diamond

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Native FAC+ (NWPL) G5 (Global Rank)

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