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Dune Sunflower, Beach Sunflower, Cucumberleaf Sunflower, East Coast Dune Sunflower, Branching Sunflower - Helianthus debilis


Family: Asteraceae - Aster family Genus Common Name: Sunflower Native Status: NativeDicot Annual Perennial Herb
Helianthus debilis - Dune Sunflower, Beach Sunflower, Cucumberleaf Sunflower, East Coast Dune Sunflower, Branching Sunflower. The USDA Common name is Cucumberleaf Sunflower, but Beach Sunflower and Dune Sunflower seem to be the most commonly used common names. Until 1969, Helianthus debilis was considered to have 8 subspecies. In 1969, however, 3 of those subspecies found only in Texas were moved to the separate species Helianthus praecox (Texas Sunflower), leaving 5 subspecies in Helianthus debilis. Of these, Helianthus debilis ssp. silvestris is also found only in Texas. Subspecies debilis and vestitus are found only in Florida, and subspecies tardiflorus is found in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. Subspecies cucumerifolius is the most widespread subspecies, found 17 mostly coastal states.

Found in:
AL, CT, FL, GA, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MS, NC, NH, PA, RI, SC, TX, VA, VT, WV

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Helianthus debilis

Distribution of Helianthus debilis in the United States and Canada:
Map unavailable.
Map courtesy of The Biota of North America Program.
Map color key

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Site: Bradenton Beach, Manatee County, FL Date: 2011-December-20Photographer: Gerald C. Williamson
Nikon D7000
The blossom of this composite will have between 11 and 20 yellow ray florets, and more than 30 disk florets. The disk florets are usually have dark reddish-brown lobes (although reported to occasionally be yellow) and a yellow corolla tube. The anthers are usually dark red. The blossom may be up to around 2.5 inches across. The plant may bloom year-round in the southern parts of its range.
Helianthus debilis

Site: Bradenton Beach, Manatee County, FL Date: 2011-December-20Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D7000
Leaf variations are amongst the attributes that help determine the subspecies. Most are alternate with petioles between 1/2" and 3" long. They usually have some degree of serration.
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Helianthus debilis

Site: Desoto National Monument, Manatee County, FL Date: 2011-December-21Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D7000
Helianthus debilis can grow in large colonies, making an attractive ground cover.
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Helianthus debilis

Site: Ft. Desoto County Park, Pinellas County, FL Date: 2011-December-19Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D7000
Dune Sunflower height is greatly variable. It can be less than a foot tall, or may reach 6 feet in height. The peduncles (flower stalks) may be between 3" and 20" long, depending on the subspecies.
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Helianthus debilis

Site: Bradenton Beach, Manatee County, FL Date: 2011-December-20Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D7000
The involucre has 30 to 40 long, usually spreading phyllaries. They may be slightly hairy.
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Helianthus debilis

Site: Bradenton Beach, Manatee County, FL Date: 2011-December-20Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D7000
This sunflower is quite salt tolerant, and grows in sandy soil in full sun. The Dune Sunflower and Beach name is appropriate, as it can be found along the dunes at beaches along the coastal areas of its range.
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Helianthus debilis

References used for identification and information:
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Helianthus debilis initially published on USWildflowers.com 2012-01-20; Updated 2015-06-24

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All content except USDA Plants Database map Copyright Gerald C. Williamson 2024
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Code Update 20230302