Helianthus spp
Two species found in the desert that bear the sunflower moniker are Geraea canescens, or Hairy Desertsunflower, and Helianthus annuus, or Common Sunflower.
The real pollinator powerhouses of the region, though, are the Western Sunflower, Helianthus anomalus, and Nuttall’s Sunflower, Helianthus nuttallii. Both are keystone species and host to 58 species of caterpillars and 53 species of bees!
Flowers: Varies by species
Status: Native
Family: Asteraceae (Aster Family)
Size: Varies by species
Sun: Full
Uses: Great nectar plants for bees and butterflies.
Notes:
Resources
- Garden for Wildlife Keystone Species
- Wikipedia: Helianthus anomalus
- Wildflower.org Helianthus anomalus
- The American Southwest Helianthus nuttallii
- Wikipedia Helianthus nuttallii
- Wildflower.org Helianthus nuttallii
- Southeastern Arizona Wildflowers and Plants Helianthus annus
- Southwest Desert Flora Geraea canescens
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