This sunflower was growing around the old (1810) farmhouse when we moved in. It is very reliable and very cheerful. Sometimes it survives as a cut flower, but it is chancy. It fights it out with mint every summer and the battle seems to be a draw. It could become invasive, but the roots are close to the surface of the ground and pull out easily. It's hard to see how anyone would want to get rid of it!

I'm not sure I have it in the right place, though, so if someone sees my photo and can tell me where else it might belong, I'll be most grateful.

Thanks!
Mother Raphaela

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I planted these for several reasons: Native to the US, not an annual, a lively spreader, and a natural food source for the birds. The Goldfinches just relish those greens and later the seeds as they dry. I have been concerned by the amount of pesticides put on bird food to prevent meal moths and the like. The birds get that in their mouths and we become exposed to it when we handle the seed.

Mine tend to bloom early, starting in July, but others wait until late August into September. The plant spreads mostly by rhizomes, but I have found a few from germinated seeds in other locations. It has not become bothersome in any way.

One of my children's opinion of this small sunflower, "It smells like candy."

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An Illinois wildflower native to western US; grows best in prairie, edges of woods, and roadsides..
Forms colonies as it's capable of self seeding. Flower heads up to 3.5 inches.
This year, was a super butterfly magnet (as illustrated).

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This page says summer better than any other I've seen.

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