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Helianthus californicus
Helianthus californicus DC.
California Sunflower
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: HECA5
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
The stout, erect stems of this California perennial rise 6-8 feet, or more, from a spreading root system. Each shoot bears narrowly oval, bright-green leaves. The top branches multiply into flower bearing stalks. Relatively small, yellow flowers occur in profuse numbers.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Size Notes: Up to about 11 feet tall, often less.
Fruit: Fruit is a cypsela (pl. cypselae). Though technically incorrect, the fruit is often referred to as an achene.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: YellowBloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct
Distribution
USA: CANative Distribution: C. & s. CA
Native Habitat: Boggy meadow; stream banks
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist soils.
Conditions Comments: California sunflowers may need staking to prevent them from falling over.
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Description: Increase by root division or seed.Seed Treatment: No pretreatment is necessary.
Commercially Avail: yes
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | OBL | OBL |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Additional resources
USDA: Find Helianthus californicus in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Helianthus californicus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Helianthus californicus
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-12-28Research By: TWC Staff