Swamp Sunflower
Common Name: Swamp Sunflower[1]
Scientific Name: Helianthus angustifolius
Description: Hardy North American perennial; multitudes of yellow daisy-like flowers cover the plant in late summer and fall; Dark green, strap-like foliage
Size: Grows to 5 feet high and spreads to 4 feet wide
Cultural Information: Prefers full sun to light shade and moist garden loam
USDA Zones: 6 through 9
Historical Notes: This native perennial species occurs in swamps and moist places from New York to northern Florida and west to southern Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. It was first introduced to Britain in 1799. It is related to Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberose), which bears edible subterranean, potato-like tubers that were eaten by the American Indians and commonly grown in early American kitchen gardens including Thomas Jefferson's. Swamp sunflower, with its bushy habit and spectacular, show-stopping floral display, is very desirable in the mixed flower border.
Footnotes
- ↑ This article is based on a Center for Historic Plants Information Sheet.
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