Early Sunflower, often called Oxeye Sunflower, is a dependable and long-blooming perennial that serves as a cornerstone for any pollinator-focused landscape. Growing 3 to 5 feet tall, this clump-forming plant produces a profusion of bright yellow, daisy-like blooms from June through September. Native to a wide range across North America, it is highly adaptable to various soil conditions, from medium-wet to medium-dry. Its high nectar and pollen production make it a favorite for bees, including the specialist bee Holcopasites heliopis, and butterflies. While individual plants are relatively short-lived, they readily re-seed. It performs best in full sun to partial shade and is a sturdy addition to meadows or back-of-border plantings. Seeds can be sown directly in the fall or given a 30-day cold-moist stratification (C30) for spring sowing.

Quick facts

• Height: 3–5 ft
• Sun: Full to Partial
• Soil moisture: Medium-Wet to Medium-Dry
• Bloom time: Jun–Sep (Yellow)
• Life cycle: Perennial
• Notes: Short-lived, Aggressive
• Native range: Native to 41 states, including Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska

See the full growing guide and county range map for Early Sunflower