Flower
Pale Sunflower
Helianthus decapetalusAlso known as Thinleaf Sunflower, Thin-leaved Sunflower, Woodland Sunflower, Ten-rayed Sunflower
Pale sunflowers brighten rich woods, stream banks, and forest edges across eastern North America with delicate yellow flower heads in late summer. Their thin, finely-toothed leaves and smooth upper stems distinguish them from rougher woodland relatives. These native perennials spread through slender underground rhizomes to form loose colonies that support late-season pollinators.
PerennialYellowWildflower
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyPhotosynthetic (autotroph)
Predators
- White-tailed Deer
- Grasshoppers
- Aphids
ThreatsHabitat loss, invasive species competition
HabitatsRich woods, stream banks, thickets, woodland edges
Life spanPerennial (indefinite via rhizomes)
Classification
- OrderAsterales
- FamilyAsteraceae
- GenusHelianthus
- SpeciesHelianthus decapetalus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Habitat Context: Look along sunny trail margins, stream banks, and open deciduous woods.
- Identification Cue: Feel the leaf texture and inspect for winged leaf stalks and smooth upper stems.
- Seasonality: Watch for bright yellow blooms from late July into autumn.
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by Becky Dill · cc0
Close Relative Dr Photographer / PUBLIC DOMAIN · public domain
Close Relative (c) Tero Laakso, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative homeredwardprice / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
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