Family: Asteraceae
Author: Nutt.
Bibliography: Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc., ser. 2, 7: 367 (1841)
Year: 1841
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Helianthus
Vegetable: False
Observations: Florida
Description
Beach sunflower, scientifically known as Helianthus debilis, is an enchanting and resilient plant native to the sandy shorelines of Florida. Belonging to the Asteraceae family, this vibrant species was meticulously documented in the early 19th century, with its formal classification published in 1841 in the Transactions of the American Philosophical Society by the botanist Nuttall.
This coastal beauty thrives in the warm, sunny environments typical of Florida beaches, where its striking yellow blossoms create a picturesque landscape against the backdrop of sea and sand. The plant’s annual and perennial forms are well-adapted to withstand the harsh conditions of salt spray and sandy soils, making it a popular choice for erosion control and landscape beautification in coastal areas.
The Beach sunflower features stunning, daisy-like flowers with a dark central disc surrounded by bright yellow petals, which not only add vivid color but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Its sprawling growth habit and dense foliage provide ground cover and serve as a natural habitat for numerous coastal insects and small wildlife.
Culturally significant and ecologically beneficial, Helianthus debilis is cherished for both its aesthetic appeal and its role in promoting biodiversity. Gardeners and landscapers value this plant for its low maintenance requirements and its ability to thrive in poor, sandy soils where few other plants can survive. Additionally, its ability to self-seed ensures its presence and spread in suitable habitats, contributing to the stabilization of sandy soils and the prevention of coastal erosion.
In summary, the Beach sunflower is a remarkable and versatile plant that not only enhances coastal beauty but also supports local ecosystems and addresses environmental challenges. Whether admired for its bright blooms or valued for its ecological contributions, Helianthus debilis is a true gem of the Asteraceae family flourishing along the scenic shores of Florida.
Common Names
Dan: agurkebladet solsikke
Eng: beach sunflower, cucumberleaf sunflower, weak sunflower
Deu: gurkenblättrige sonnenblume, schwache sonnenblume
Fra: hélianthe
Swe: miniatyrsolros
En: Beach sunflower, Weak sunflower, Cucumberleaf sunflower, Dune sunflower, Cucumber-Leaf Sunflower, Cucumber Sunflower, Polyheaded Sunflower, Cucumber-leaved sunflower
Ar: دوار الشمس الضعيف
Da: Agurkebladet solsikke
Fi: Ranta-auringonkukka
Fr: Hélianthe
De: Gurkenblättrige Sonnenblume, Schwache Sonnenblume
Sv: Miniatyrsolros
Synonyms
- Helianthus annuus var. debilis ((Nutt.) Anashch.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Austria (introduced)
- Azores (introduced)
- Cuba (introduced)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
- France (introduced)
- India (introduced)
- Jawa (introduced)
- Korea (introduced)
- KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
- Mozambique (introduced)
- Northern Provinces (introduced)
- Norway (introduced)
- Queensland (introduced)
- Taiwan (introduced)
- Western Australia (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Oct 12, 2015 by EOL − Antonio Moreno Talamantes (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 14, 2021 by Siegmund Kurz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bob Peterson from North Palm Beach, Florida, Planet Earth! (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 12, 2021 by Sandrine Kusiak (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 22, 2022 by Christian Maveau (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Sep 13, 2022 by Arnaud (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Chris Griggs (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 19, 2021 by Syl Syl (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 26, 2021 by Camille Maravat (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2022 by Marta Marta (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Howard, R.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 18, 2016 by EOL − juniorfriendsofmacarthurbeachstatepark (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 26, 2021 by Camille Maravat (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Chris Griggs (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 13, 2022 by Arnaud (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Nov 6, 2022 by Jean-Francois Dumas (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Feb 6, 2021 by Rina Jeger (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jul 26, 2022 by urbangardening (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3119191)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:119090-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Helianthus debilis Nutt.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Stoloniferous
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Slow
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.2
Ph minimum: 5.2