False Sunflower

Heliopsis helianthoides

annual1.5×0.8 mzone 3–9light shade

Profile

Family: Asteraceae
Habit: annual
Height: 1.5 m
Spread: 0.8 m
Growth: medium
Lifespan: 10 years
First yield: after 2 years
Hardiness: zone 3–9
Shade tolerance: light shade
Soil: Sand, Silt, Loam
Soil moisture: dry – very wet
pH: 5.5 – 7
Synonyms: Oxeye, Smooth oxeye

Flowering & harvest

	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Flowering
Fruit harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible1 of 10

Medicinal2 of 10

Other uses3 of 10

Growing

Heliopsis helianthoides prefers sunny to partly shaded sites with well-drained, moderately moist soil. The plant is drought-tolerant and thrives in various soil types including loam, sand and clay. Sow in spring or autumn; propagate by division or cuttings. Regular deadheading of spent flowers promotes a longer flowering period. Cutting back in late spring can reduce height and encourage branching.

⚠️ Hazards

Toxicity: slightly toxic

This is no substitute for expert identification. When in doubt, do not eat it.

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