wetland wildflower
California sunflower
Helianthus californicus
1 of 2Native to California
Central and southern California
- Light Full sun Sun tolerance
- Moisture Moist Moisture preference
- Zones n/a Cold to heat range
- Bloom Jul–Nov Flowering time
- Height up to 11 ft to 3.4 m
- Life cycle Perennial Annual to perennial
In the garden
A wetland wildflower for full sun and evenly moist soil. Its yellow flowers peak in September. At up to 11 ft, it needs room in rain gardens, pond edges, and damp low spots.
Growing conditions
Light
Full sun Partial shade Full shade
Moisture
Dry Moist Wet
When it blooms
The California sunflower's yellow flowers bloom July to November, peaking in September. This early-fall display draws bees and butterflies.
California sunflower blooms yellowFoliage
Pollinators & wildlife
- Bees Ligated Furrow Bee also Crotch's Bumble Bee, Tansy Mustard Sweat Bee, Parallel Leafcutter Bee
- Butterflies Orange Sulphur
Butterflies that use this plant
Documented host and nectar records. Each links to a planting guide for that butterfly.
- Gorgone checkerspotcaterpillar host
- Silvery checkerspotcaterpillar host
- Orange sulphurnectar
Full plant details
Where it grows
- Habitat
- WetlandThe wild plant community it grows in.
- Native range
- CaliforniaUnited States (1): CA. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
- Native distribution
- Central and southern CaliforniaThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Full sunHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
- Moisture
- MoistThe soil dampness it prefers, from dry to wet.
- Soil
- Moist soilsThe soils it grows in naturally.
Growth & form
- Height
- up to 11 ft (to 3.4 m)Typical mature height.
- Life cycle
- PerennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).
Flowers, foliage & fruit
- Type
- WildflowerWhat kind of plant it is.
- Bloom
- Jul–NovWhen it flowers.
- Flower color
- YellowThe bloom color, or colors.
- Fruit/Seeds
- AcheneThe seed or fruit it sets after flowering.
- Toxicity
- None knownWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.