Showy Sunflower (Helianthus pauciflorus)

Showy Sunflower, also known as Stiff Sunflower, brings bold late-season color to the garden with its large, golden-yellow flowers and sturdy upright stems. Blooming from late summer into fall, each flower features a dark central disk surrounded by bright petals that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Reaching 4–6 feet tall, it creates a striking display in sunny borders, prairie gardens, and meadow plantings. This durable native spreads by rhizomes to form impressive colonies over time, making it especially effective in larger landscapes where it can naturalize freely. As the flowers fade, the seed heads become an important food source for finches and other songbirds. Its strong stems and drought tolerance make it a dependable performer in a variety of sunny garden settings. Why Choose Showy Sunflower? Brilliant late-season blooms for pollinators Strong, upright stems rarely require staking Seeds provide food for birds in fall and winter Excellent for meadows, prairies, and naturalized areas Drought-tolerant and easy to grow once established Give this plant room to spread, or divide colonies every few years to control size. Cut back stems in late winter or leave them standing for wildlife habitat and winter interest.