Helianthus occidentalis.
Western Sunflower is a perennial wildflower native to the eastern and central United States where it can often be found growing in prairies, meadows, and rocky open woods.
Plant grows to around 3 feet in height and produces yellow composite flowers that bloom from July through September.
Unlike other sunflowers, the Western Sunflower does not grow leaves from its stem. Rather, the basal leaves form a rosette structure from which the stem emerges, earning it the nickname "Naked-stemmed sunflower."
Western Sunflower
Growth Chart
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9 Light Requirement: Full to partial sun Soil Type: Average, well-drained Sow Depth: Surface Plant Spacing: 1/2 inch Germination Note: Cold stratification required Stratification Time: 30 days Bloom Time: July through September Growing Tips
Direct sow in late fall by planting the seeds 1/2 inch deep in the soil. For spring planting, mix seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 30 days (cold stratification) before direct sowing.
To start indoors, sow stratified seeds in a flat or small, individual pots, keeping the soil moist and at a temperature around 65 to 70 degrees until germination, which should occur within 10 to 20 days.A Note on Cold Stratification
These seeds require cold, moist stratification. To naturally stratify the seeds, plant outdoors late fall on a weed-free site and allow seeds to overwinter.
To artificially stratify the seeds, place the seeds and a moist medium (such as a damp paper towel, coffee filter, sand, or vermiculite) in a labeled, sealed plastic bag and store in a refrigerator (33-40°F) for the amount of time noted on the growth chart before sowing.