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Description
Helianthus Occidentalis, commonly known as the western sunflower, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to North America and is found in the western United States, from California to Montana. It is a tall plant that can grow up to 10 feet in height and has a spread of up to 3 feet. The flowers of Helianthus Occidentalis are bright yellow in color and have a diameter of 2-4 inches. They bloom in late summer and early fall and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Helianthus |
Appearance
Helianthus Occidentalis is a tall, erect plant that can grow up to 10 feet in height. It has a single stem that is covered in rough, hairy leaves. The leaves are lance-shaped and can grow up to 10 inches long. The flowers of Helianthus Occidentalis are large and bright yellow in color. They have a central disk that is surrounded by numerous ray flowers. The flowers can grow up to 4 inches in diameter and are produced in clusters at the top of the stem. The seeds of the plant are small and black and are produced in abundance.
Care Guide
Helianthus Occidentalis is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for caring for your western sunflower:
- Water: Helianthus Occidentalis is drought tolerant and does not require much water. It is important to avoid overwatering the plant as this can cause root rot.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization but can benefit from a light application of organic fertilizer in the spring.
- Soil: Helianthus Occidentalis prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to thrive and should be placed in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Helianthus Occidentalis is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Helianthus Occidentalis is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some common problems that you may encounter:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause distortion of the leaves and stems. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. It can be controlled with fungicides and by removing infected leaves.
- Root rot: Overwatering can cause root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. It is important to ensure that the soil is well-draining and to avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Helianthus Occidentalis is native to North America and is found in the western United States, from California to Montana. It grows in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands. It is tolerant of drought and can grow in areas with low rainfall. The plant is an important food source for wildlife, including birds and small mammals, which feed on the seeds.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Helianthus Occidentalis an annual or perennial plant?
A: Helianthus Occidentalis is a perennial plant.
Q: What is the ideal soil pH for growing Helianthus Occidentalis?
A: Helianthus Occidentalis prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Q: What is the blooming season for Helianthus Occidentalis?
A: Helianthus Occidentalis blooms in late summer and early fall.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Helianthus Occidentalis?
A: Helianthus Occidentalis is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Related Plants
- Helianthus annuus (common sunflower)
- Helianthus maximiliani (Maximilian sunflower)
- Helianthus tuberosus (Jerusalem artichoke)
References
- “Helianthus occidentalis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 21 September 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277116
- “Helianthus occidentalis.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed 21 September 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=heoc4
- “Western Sunflower.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed 21 September 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=heoc4
