Giant Sunflower (Helianthus giganteus)
Helianthus giganteus, commonly known as Giant Sunflower, is a tall, native perennial wildflower found in wetlands, moist meadows, and along streambanks throughout Illinois. It thrives in rich, moist to wet soils and prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade.
This towering sunflower can grow 6 to 12 feet tall, with slender stems and lance-shaped leaves. From late summer to early fall, it produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with dark central disks, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its seeds provide an important food source for birds, particularly goldfinches.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Helianthus giganteus is an excellent choice for rain gardens, pollinator habitats, and wetland restoration projects. Its tall, spreading growth makes it ideal for naturalized landscapes but may require space to prevent overcrowding. It pairs well with other moisture-loving natives like Joe-Pye weed, swamp milkweed, and blue vervain.
Helianthus giganteus, commonly known as Giant Sunflower, is a tall, native perennial wildflower found in wetlands, moist meadows, and along streambanks throughout Illinois. It thrives in rich, moist to wet soils and prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade.
This towering sunflower can grow 6 to 12 feet tall, with slender stems and lance-shaped leaves. From late summer to early fall, it produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with dark central disks, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its seeds provide an important food source for birds, particularly goldfinches.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Helianthus giganteus is an excellent choice for rain gardens, pollinator habitats, and wetland restoration projects. Its tall, spreading growth makes it ideal for naturalized landscapes but may require space to prevent overcrowding. It pairs well with other moisture-loving natives like Joe-Pye weed, swamp milkweed, and blue vervain.
Helianthus giganteus, commonly known as Giant Sunflower, is a tall, native perennial wildflower found in wetlands, moist meadows, and along streambanks throughout Illinois. It thrives in rich, moist to wet soils and prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade.
This towering sunflower can grow 6 to 12 feet tall, with slender stems and lance-shaped leaves. From late summer to early fall, it produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with dark central disks, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its seeds provide an important food source for birds, particularly goldfinches.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Helianthus giganteus is an excellent choice for rain gardens, pollinator habitats, and wetland restoration projects. Its tall, spreading growth makes it ideal for naturalized landscapes but may require space to prevent overcrowding. It pairs well with other moisture-loving natives like Joe-Pye weed, swamp milkweed, and blue vervain.
Bloom: mid-summer to fall
Habitats: calcareous fens; sandy swales; sedge meadows; Tamarack bogs; wet sand prairies
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: wet to moist
Plant type (height): forb (3 to 9 feet)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: sandy