Helianthus decapetalus (Thinleaf Sunflower)

This is such a cheery native sunflower. When I spotted it growing natively around Irondequoit Creek in Penfield, I was smitten. It is very adaptable to a full range of light and moisture conditions and best yet, as a keystone species it is a pollinator magnet and once the seeds ripen birds will feast. I recommend planting it next to other vigorous plants such as Joe Pye, Turtlehead and Boneset to keep it in check in a smaller yard. This sunflower thrives in difficult wet shady sites or in gardens with dappled shade and average garden soil. Native habitats include open woods, woodland clearings, shaded banks of creeks and rivers and meadows.