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The annualsunflower(Helianthus annuus)is a classic summer favorite.
While easy to grow from seed, they must bereplanted each year.
The genusHelianthusalso includes several perennial species.
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These are fairly long-blooming, late-season flowers, blooming in late summer through mid-autumn.
Perennial sunflowers range in height from 2 to 10 feet tall.
This tall perennial sunflower is tolerant of salt air and salty soil.
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Birds enjoy the seeds after frost kills the foliage, so wait until spring to cut back.
Its tubers and seeds are edible and it’s an important food source for wildlife.
It is cold hardy and prefers moist, marshy habitats.
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Birds, especially goldfinches.
It is very heat tolerant and long-blooming.
The roots and tubers are edible.
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The showy petals are a slightly paler yellow than most perennial sunflowers.
Native to limestone prairies, once established It tends to spread somewhat aggressively.
There are shorter cultivars called ‘First Light’ and ‘Autumn Gold’ that are worth seeking out.
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However, the plants can be quite invasive.
Also called cucumberleaf sunflower and east coast dune sunflower.
Itsshorter statureand growing habit make it an attractive sun-loving ground cover for coastal gardens.
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It favors woodland edges and meadows.
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