Dune sunflower

Helianthus debilis

Family: Asteraceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

Not yet checked.

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

not researched

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

ASPCA has no page for this species. Do not treat it as safe for pets.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 8B to 11 (FNPS, east coast dune sunflower page)
Water needs: low once established
Mature size: 2 to 4 ft tall and wide (UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions); FNPS gives 1 to 2.5 ft tall by 2 to 8 ft wide for the east coast subspecies
Where it comes from: Native to Florida; three subspecies grow on coastal dunes: cucumberleaf dune sunflower on the northern Gulf coast south to DeSoto County, east coast dune sunflower on the Atlantic coast, and west coast dune sunflower on the Gulf coast from Pinellas to Lee County (UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions)

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon