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Ox Eye Sunflower Wikimedia Commons
Asteraceae

Ox Eye Sunflower

Heliopsis helianthoides

Enduring sunshine and cheerful reliability.

Family
Asteraceae
Genus
Heliopsis
Native to
North America
Bloom season
Summer, Early Fall
Type
herbaceous perennial
Height
60–150 cm
Sunlight
full sun
Soil
well-drained, average to rich
Water
moderate; tolerates some drought
Hardiness
3–9
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • Heliopsis means 'sun-like appearance,' and helianthoides means 'resembling sunflower' — it is a sun-mimic of a sun-mimic.
  • Unlike true sunflowers, ox eye sunflower is a true perennial that returns reliably for many years.
  • The cultivar 'Burning Hearts' has dark mahogany centers that make the golden petals appear to glow.
  • It blooms for 8–10 weeks — one of the longest-flowering native perennials in North American gardens.
  • Native Americans used the plant to create a yellow dye and brewed leaf tea for lung ailments.

Color meanings

0

adoration

1

longevity

2

cheerfulness

Uses

  • perennial borders
  • pollinator gardens
  • cut flowers
  • prairie restoration
  • natural dye