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Native Plant Society of Texas

Willowleaf Sunflower

Helianthus salicifolius

Other common name(s):

Willow-leaved Sunflower

Family:

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Cross Timbers
Carbonate Cross Timbers, Eastern Cross Timbers, Grand Prairie, Limestone Cut Plain, Western Cross Timbers

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

5
to
8
ft.

Spread

1
to
3
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Rocky, Limestone, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low, Medium

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Season

Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Seeds, Nectar, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Birds, Bees

Maintenance

Tolerant of wide range of soil conditions. Rare in the wild but sold in some specialty nurseries. Native habitat: limestone prairies. If grown in part shade, plants tend to be taller and more open, produce fewer flowers and require support. Attractive foliage and profuse late summer to fall bloom make this an excellent addition to the border background, wild or native plant garden, or naturalized planting. Spreads over time by creeping rhizomes to form dense colonies. Divide every 3-4 years to control spread and maintain vigor. Sunflowers are generally susceptible to rust, leaf fungal spots and powdery mildew. Caterpillars and beetles may chew on the foliage. Watch for aphids. Taller plants may need staking. Deer tend to avoid this plant. Propagation: clump division. seed.

Comments

Blooms August-November. The narrow, dark green willow-like leaves, covered with soft hairs, form into a tight mound giving a tidy shrub-like appearance. Clusters of 2 in. wide, medium yellow sunflowers with dark brown centers bloom on whitish green stems.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Helianthus filiformis, Helianthus orgyalis

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Clump Division Gently tease apart the clump into smaller sections, each with a healthy amount of roots and Divide every 3-4 years to control spread and maintain vigor. Carefully dig up a mature plant, ensuring you get as much of the root system as possible. 1) https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c970#:~:text=Problems,tend%20to%20avoid%20this%20plant. 2_ https://earthone.io/plant/helianthus%20salicifolius. 3/ https://propagate.one/
Seed No Treatment Propagate with seed in containers in a cold frame in the spring. 1) https://www.gardenia.net/plant/helianthus-salicifolius#:~:text=Propagate%20by%20seed%20in%20containers,increase%20plants%20and%20retain%20vigor. 2) https://earthone.io/plant/helianthus%20salicifolius. 3) https://propagate.one/
Stem Cutting Basal cuttings may be rooted in the spring. Choose a healthy, non-flowering stem and take a 4-6 inch cutting just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional, but helpful). Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a welldraining seed starting mix. Keep the soil moist and cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. After a few weeks, gently tug on the cutting; resistance means roots have developed. 1) https://www.gardenia.net/plant/helianthus-salicifolius#:~:text=Propagate%20by%20seed%20in%20containers,increase%20plants%20and%20retain%20vigor. 2) https://earthone.io/plant/helianthus%20salicifolius, 3) https://propagate.one/

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason