Helianthus debilis Common names include Cucumber-leaf Sunflower, Beach Sunflower, Weak Sunflower, and Dune Sunflower. Cucumberleaf Sunflower is native to southeastern states along the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic. It can grow upright up to six feet tall, but also may grow in a decumbent, spreading fashion along the ground like a cucumber. It stabilizes itself with a long taproot. Its leaves, also reminiscent of cucumber leaves, can grow up to 7 inches long and 6 inches wide. Its yellow blooms can be singular on the stalk or sometimes come in twos and threes. Reliably blooms spring through fall and often blooms year round in warm weather. Cucumberleaf Sunflower is usually perennial, but it becomes an annual in regions that experience regular deep freezes. It prefers sandy soils, and can tolerate a mildly saline environment. It can offer good erosion control as well for very sandy soils, beaches, and dunes. It is quite drought tolerant. Its blooms attract butterflies, and its tiny seeds attract birds. Height: 3'-6'Spread: 2'-8'Bloom: February-DecemberLight: Full SunWater: Low-MediumZone: 8-11Origin: Texas, southeastern U.S.
