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Stiff Sunflower

Helianthus pauciflorusfam. Asteraceae
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Helianthus pauciflorus (Stiff Sunflower) — botanical photograph
Pl. 137B — Helianthus pauciflorus
Helianthus pauciflorusHelianthus pauciflorusHelianthus pauciflorusHelianthus pauciflorusHelianthus pauciflorusHelianthus pauciflorusHelianthus pauciflorusHelianthus pauciflorusHelianthus pauciflorusHelianthus pauciflorusHelianthus pauciflorusHelianthus pauciflorusHelianthus pauciflorusHelianthus pauciflorus
I

Overview

Stiff Sunflower (Helianthus pauciflorus) is a perennial forb or herb native to the eastern and central United States as well as parts of Canada. It thrives in habitats ranging from Alberta to Wyoming, growing in light, medium, and heavy soils with a preference for dry to moist conditions. Known both for its edible seeds and medicinal properties, this plant has been utilized by various indigenous communities. Stiff Sunflower can reach heights of 1.5 meters and is characterized by its stiff, upright habit, making it an attractive ornamental addition to gardens. Its adaptability to a wide range of soil types and hardiness zones from 3-7 makes it a versatile choice for gardeners in these regions.

Quick answers

What is Stiff Sunflower?

Stiff Sunflower (Helianthus pauciflorus) is a perennial forb or herb native to the eastern and central United States as well as parts of Canada. It thrives in habitats ranging from Alberta to Wyoming, growing in light, medium, and heavy soils with a preference for dry to moist conditions.

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IV·b

Mixology suggestions

1 draft
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Sunflower Strength
focus
tincture
Traditional use for mental clarity and focus.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Stiff Sunflower thrives in well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) and prefers a slightly alkaline pH between 7.5 and 8. It is hardy in zones 3-7, making it suitable for temperate regions. This perennial requires full sun to partial shade and can tolerate dry to moist conditions. For best results, sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost or propagate via division. Stiff Sunflower grows up to 1.5 meters tall and is native to a wide range of eastern and central North American states, including Alberta, Arkansas, British Columbia, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, and more. Its edible seeds can be harvested for use in various culinary applications.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-7
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.5 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers

How to grow Stiff Sunflower for the first time

8steps

Start with a simple planting of Stiff Sunflower to gain experience in sunflower cultivation.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Sunflower seeds, garden soil, a trowel or shovel.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost, or start indoors about 4 weeks before the last expected frost.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a well-draining soil with a pH between 7.5–8. Ensure your garden bed is free of weeds and debris.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart, or start indoors in small pots before transplanting.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun exposure and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Stake tall plants if needed.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune dead flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain plant health. Cut back stems in fall after frost.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting too close together, neglecting to stake tall plants.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

39 native · 17 introduced
Distribution across2 continents· 39 native· 17 introduced
Europe7 regions
introduced (7)AustriaFranceHungaryItalyNorwaySpainUkraine
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Arkansas, British Columbia, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Manitoba, Masachusettes, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Nova Scotia, Oklahoma, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward I., Québec, Rhode I., Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
introduced:Amur, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, Khabarovsk, Maryland, New York, Primorye, Yugoslavia
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Helianthus pauciflorus (Stiff Sunflower) — botanical photograph
Stiff Sunflower (Helianthus pauciflorus)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

Growing zone
XII

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