Helianthus divaricatus
Woodland Sunflower
 
Woodland sunflower brings bright yellow blooms to woodland edges and open shade, flowering reliably in mid to late summer. Its upright stems and rough-textured leaves give it a strong presence without overwhelming neighboring plants.
 
The flowers support a wide range of native bees, including long-horned bees, and are also visited by butterflies. In fall, birds such as goldfinches feed on the developing seeds. This species is especially valuable for adding sunflower diversity to partially shaded landscapes.
 
photo by Britt Drews