•Status in Florida: Native
•Size at Maturity: Dune Sunflower typically grows as a perennial herbaceous plant, reaching heights of about 1 to 3 feet tall.
•Phenology: Perennial herb with bright yellow flowers that bloom year-round in favorable conditions.
•Life Cycle: Perennial
•Bloom Season: Year-round in favorable conditions
•Deciduous, Dioecious, Evergreen: Deciduous
•Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
•Soil Texture: Well-drained sandy soils; tolerant of poor, sandy soils and coastal conditions
•Soil pH: Tolerant of a wide range, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.5)
•Moisture Requirements: Drought tolerant once established; prefers well-drained soil
•Tolerance to Salt Spray: High tolerance; commonly found in coastal areas and dunes
•Recommended Landscape Uses: Coastal gardens, dune restoration projects, native plant gardens, naturalized areas
•Maintenance Tips: Low maintenance; prune as needed to control growth and remove spent flowers; may self-seed in favorable conditions
•Considerations: Dune Sunflower is highly tolerant of coastal conditions, including salt spray and sandy soils, making it an excellent choice for coastal landscapes and dune restoration projects.
•Deer and/or Rabbit Resistance: Moderately resistant; typically not preferred by deer or rabbits
•Edible: While not typically consumed by humans, Dune Sunflower is valued as an ornamental plant and is not considered edible.
•Medicinal Uses: Historically used by Native American tribes for various medicinal purposes, although specific uses may vary.
•Toxicity to Pets: Not known to be toxic to pets, but ingestion of large quantities of plant material may cause gastrointestinal upset.
•Florida Native Companion Plant: Dune Sunflower is often found growing alongside other native plants in coastal habitats, including species such as Sea Purslane (Sesuvium portulacastrum) and Railroad Vine (Ipomoea pes-caprae).
•Wildlife Benefit: Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies; provides habitat and food for insects and other wildlife.
