Why choose native plants? Pacific Northwest native plants know how to live here and how to thrive here. They often need much less water and less fertilizer. They spread slowly and are not invasive. They support a wide diversity of wildlife. And best of all, they look great!
Bolander’s sunflower is also called serpentine sunflower due to its tendency to grow on serpentine soil, although it can be found on many different soil types. On harsh soils, Bolander’s sunflower will stay short and squat, sometimes less than 3′ tall; however, in the irrigated garden setting with deep soil it can grow over 5′ tall and bloom for a couple months in mid summer to early fall. The plant takes on an upright, branching form. The flower cluster holds one or more flower heads and each plant may have many flower clusters. As with most sunflowers, Bolander’s sunflower prefers full sun and average water, but it is also very drought tolerant, it just won’t grow as tall on dry sites. In the wild it can be found growing in harsh locations with serpentine, clay or rocky soil in foothill woodlands, chaparral, pine forests, and near moist locations or riparian areas. Beloved by bumblebees. For a colorful 11×17 poster of all the PNW Native Annuals we offer, click here.
