species 5,899 observations
Pale Sunflower
Helianthus decapetalus
Field notes
Helianthus decapetalus, known by the common names thinleaf sunflower, thin-leaved sunflower, and woodland sunflower, is a perennial forb in the family Asteraceae. It is native to the Eastern and Central United States and Canada, from New Brunswick west to Iowa, Wisconsin, and Ontario, south as far as Georgia and Louisiana. It produces yellow composite flowers in late summer or early fall.
The name decapetalus means "with ten petals", referring to the 8-12 ray florets on the flower heads, resembling petals.
Read more on WikipediaSupports All
supported in the US
-
Caterpillars
Moths and butterflies raised on it
Silvery Checkerspot, Evergreen Bagworm Moth, Rigid Sunflower Borer Moth, Omiodes simialis
50
-
Specialist bees
Bees whose young are raised on the pollen of it
Carpenter-mimic Leafcutter Bee, Oblique Longhorn Bee, Dark-veined Longhorn Bee, Pugnacious Leafcutter Bee
36
-
Hosted animals
Gall makers, leaf miners and other animals living on or in it
Sunflower Purse Gall Midge, Sawtooth Sunflower Midge, Calycomyza platyptera, Gymnocarena diffusa
4
-
Plant eaters
Animals that feed on it
Hyaline Grass Bug, Liriomyza eupatorii, Plum-thistle Aphid, Foxglove Aphid
43
-
Flower visitors
Pollinators and other flower visitors
Common Eastern Bumble Bee, Eastern Calligrapher, Zabulon Skipper, Bicolored Striped Sweat Bee
142
-
Sheltered animals
Animals that nest or roost in it
Eastern Red Bat
1
Range
Greener is more native, amber more introduced; paler is less certain. How this was decided
Key traits
- Layer
- Herbaceous plants
- Light
- Full sun Part shade Dappled shade
- Moisture
- Well drained Moist
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Habit
- Erect
- Plant type
- Perennial Wildflower
From NC State Extension, USDA PLANTS and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.