The Western Sunflower is one of the more unique sunflowers belonging to the Helianthus genus. In the botanical world, the Western Sunflower is known as Helianthus occidentalis. Western Sunflower is easy to identify, the basal leaves form a rosette structure and the stem of the plant shoots up from the middle of it. Western Sunflower grows lankily up to 3 feet tall, where the brilliant yellow flower head blooms. Helianthus occidentalis can be easily identified through its lack of leaves all the way up the stalk. This is how it has earned nicknames such as “naked stemmed sunflower” or “few leaved sunflower”.
Like many Helianthus species, the Western Sunflower prefers to grow in drier soils where it can receive full to partial sun. Western Sunflower does well in the sandiest of soils and is generally found in upland prairies. This species follows another common trait of Helianthus plants seeing as it is rhizomatous and will spread via its roots. However, it is one of the less aggressive sunflower species. Western Sunflower is frequently visited by pollinator friends including bees, flies, and the intermittent butterfly. Many insects feed on its foliage and use the stems to burrow inside. It is also common for passing by birds, such as Doves and Goldfinches, to feed on the seeds.
Like many Helianthus species, the Western Sunflower prefers to grow in drier soils where it can receive full to partial sun. Western Sunflower does well in the sandiest of soils and is generally found in upland prairies. This species follows another common trait of Helianthus plants seeing as it is rhizomatous and will spread via its roots. However, it is one of the less aggressive sunflower species. Western Sunflower is frequently visited by pollinator friends including bees, flies, and the intermittent butterfly. Many insects feed on its foliage and use the stems to burrow inside. It is also common for passing by birds, such as Doves and Goldfinches, to feed on the seeds.
