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Beach Sunflower
Beach Sunflower botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

Beach Sunflower

Helianthus debilis
In the United States: Native · also called beach sunflower, cucumberleaf sunflower, east coast dune sunflower

Honeybees forage on beach sunflower for its abundant nectar and pollen, contributing significantly to late-season honey flows in coastal areas. Peak bloom aligns with September through November, offering reliable resources amid diminishing floral availability. This low-growing perennial spreads aggressively via rhizomes and self-seeding, requiring containment in managed apiary plantings; it excels in sandy, drought-tolerant conditions but may act as a short-lived perennial northward.

Nectarhigh
Pollenhigh
Bloom (US) March–November
Hardiness zones8-11
Duration~2 months
TypePerennial
Sunfull
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