The Sunflower Bed

We have a modest bed of native sunflowers.  A diverse population provides a striking curtain of color at the front of the house.  We are trying to let the bed self-seed but will fill bare spots when necessary.​  Ohio is the native home to five varieties of sunflowers:

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Update Spring 2026:  Well, Nature has decided that Helianthus mollis will dominate the bed.  While a small number of other specie are present the bed doesn't have the variety it once had.  We will monitor and likely reintroduce plants to maintain variety.  Oh, and a few unexpected volunteers emerged in nearby beds!  Sadly, our Jerusalem Artichokes did not make it.  We will try again.

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We recommend iNaturalist for help identifying and learning more about specific specie. (HERE)

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1. Giant or Tall Sunflower (Helianthus giganteus)

2. Saw-tooth Sunflower (Helianthus grosseserratus)

3. Maximilian Sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani)

4. Ashy or Downy Sunflower (Helianthus mollis)

5. Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) *

* The Jerusalem Artichoke is potentially invasive.  It is kept isolated and controlled in another area of our Wild Backyard.