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Muller, Thomas L.
Heliopsis helianthoides (L.) Sweet
Smooth oxeye, Oxeye sunflower, False sunflower
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
USDA Symbol: HEHE5
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
A common, 3-5 ft. perennial with stiff, branched stems; sunflower-like heads; and opposite, toothed leaves. Resembling a small version of a yellow sunflower with a cone-shaped central disk and opposite, toothed, simple leaves. The yellow flower heads are 2 in. across and have raised, yellow centers.
This plant looks like true sunflowers, which are in the genus Helianthus. Unlike sunflowers, its rays persist on the flower heads; the rays of sunflowers wither and fall away. It is placed in Heliopsis due to its cone-shaped central disk. Oxeye is hardy and easily grown as a showy garden perennial in dry sites and is a good choice for clay soil.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: YellowBloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CO , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , VA , VT , WA , WI , WVCanada: MB , ON , QC , SK
Native Distribution: S. Que. to FL, w. to s.e. B.C. & NM; naturalized northeastward
Native Habitat: Moist to dry, open woodlands; prairies; fields
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Sandy soils.
Conditions Comments: An undemanding plant which provides excellent, mid-summer color. Eastern plants belong to var. helianthoides; those in the West are var. scabra.
Benefit
Attracts: HummingbirdsValue to Beneficial Insects
Supports Conservation Biological ControlThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Description: Easily propagated by seed in fall or early spring. Large clumps of ox-eye can be divided, but it is difficult.Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
From the National Suppliers Directory
According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery - Orefield, PA
Ohio Prairie Nursery - Hiram, OH
Toadshade Wildflower Farm - Frenchtown, NJ
Prairie Nursery - Westfield, WI
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Native Plant Center at Westchester Community College, The - Valhalla, NY
Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
United States Botanic Garden - Washington, DC
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Bibliography
Bibref 928 - 100 easy-to-grow native plants for Canadian gardens (2005) Johnson, L.; A. LeyerleBibref 946 - Gardening with Prairie Plants: How to Create Beautiful Native Landscapes (2002) Wasowski, Sally
* The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Heliopsis helianthoides in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Heliopsis helianthoides in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Heliopsis helianthoides
Metadata
Record Modified: 2012-12-07Research By: TWC Staff
