HELIOPSIS helianthoides (Ox-Eye Sunflower)

HELIOPSIS helianthoides (Ox-Eye Sunflower) is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to North America. It is often grown as an ornamental flower in gardens and landscapes, valued for its attractive flowers and foliage.

The ox-eye sunflower typically grows to be around 2-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide, and has rough, hairy stems with toothed, lance-shaped leaves. The plant produces clusters of bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with a central brown or yellow disk. The flowers can grow to be up to 3 inches in diameter and bloom from mid-summer through early fall.

The ox-eye sunflower prefers moist to wet soil and full to partial sun, but can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including drought once established. It is a hardy and adaptable plant that can thrive in a variety of settings, from gardens and meadows to wetlands and streambanks.

In addition to its ornamental value, the ox-eye sunflower also provides important habitat and food for pollinators and wildlife. The plant attracts a variety of bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, while its seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals.

Overall, Helopsis helianthoides is a beautiful and useful plant that can add color and interest to a wide range of garden and landscape settings. Its bright flowers, attractive foliage, and wildlife-friendly features make it a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers.