The woodland sunflower is one of our more ubiquitous native wildflowers, as it can be found from Oklahoma to Wisconsin, and in all states to the east. Typically it grows in partly shaded, medium-moisture to dry habitats. Helianthus ‘Chartreuse Butterflies’ is a unique selection of the woodland sunflower, as its foliage is distinctly chartreuse in spring, slowly turning light green as the season progresses. The upright stems produce their bright yellow, 2”-wide flower heads from late summer into autumn above the sandpaper-rough, stiff foliage. Plants spread by rhizomes to eventually form colonies 4’ tall and half as wide. In cultivation, the woodland sunflower prefers partial shade (full sun if watered during excessive dry periods) and well-drained soil, and it can tolerate sand, loam, clay, or rocky soils. The chartreuse foliage of this selection really brightens up the partially shaded garden in spring through early summer. Otherwise, the habit and flowers are the same as for the species. For the perennial border, woodland edge, meadow plantings, naturalized or naturalistic settings.

USDA Zones 4 to 8. Introduction #CG10-003. Discovered in the wild in the Nittany Mountains of Pennsylvania by Dr. Charles Heuser, Penn State University. 

Retail availability in 2012 or 2013.

If you are interested in becoming a licensed propagator and grower of this selection, contact the program manager at .