Heliomeris spp.

showy goldeneye

Asteraceae

Western and southwestern North America

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant

Native to North America

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 4–8

Overview

Heliomeris spp. is a genus of about six species of slender, yellow-flowered herbs in the daisy family, Asteraceae, native to western and southwestern North America. Depending on the species, plants grow as annuals or short-lived perennials, with wiry, branching stems 1-4 feet (30-120 cm) tall and narrow leaves that are mostly opposite low on the stem. From early summer into autumn the branch tips carry many small daisy heads about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across, each with 8-14 clear yellow rays around a low yellow disk. The airy habit and long bloom give a loose, see-through screen of bright heads. H. multiflora, the showy goldeneye, is the perennial most often grown and ranges through mountain meadows and pine openings. Plants grow on dry, well-drained soils and may flop in rich ground or shade. They self-sow where conditions suit, filling gaps in open plantings.

Native Range

Native to western and southwestern North America, from the Rocky Mountains and Great Basin south through the Southwest into northern Mexico. Plants grow on dry plains, slopes, and openings in pinyon-juniper and pine woodland.

Suggested Uses

Used in wildflower meadows, dry borders, and native plantings, spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart for a loose drift. The long season of yellow heads supports bees and butterflies into autumn. Seed heads feed small birds when stems are left standing.

How to Identify

Recognized by thin, branching stems carrying small yellow daisy heads with a modest number of rays around a flat yellow center. The narrow leaves are rough-hairy and mostly paired toward the stem base, becoming alternate higher up. The slender stems and small heads separate it from the coarser, larger-headed sunflowers it resembles.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 4'

Width/Spread1' - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks

Summer Fall

Bloom is long, running from early summer into autumn, roughly June through October in many areas. The many small heads open in succession on branching stems. Flowering is heaviest in full sun with some soil moisture early in the season.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants grow in full sun and dry to moderately moist, well-drained soil, including lean and gravelly ground. They tolerate heat and drought once established and need little supplemental water. Rich soil or shade makes the stems lax and prone to flopping. Perennial species are cold hardy in mountain climates, generally to USDA zone 4. Annual and perennial kinds both set abundant seed and renew from self-sowing. Cutting plants back after the first flush can prompt a later round of bloom.

Pruning

No structural pruning is required on these soft-stemmed plants. Shearing the stems by about one third after the first flush tidies the habit and can extend flowering. Spent stems are cut to the base in late autumn or left standing for seed-eating birds.