Outdoorsy

Scientific Name

Helianthus debilis ssp. debilis

Uses of Cucumberleaf Sunflower: Landscaping, Medicinal, Culinary, etc...

Cucumberleaf sunflower is used for stabilizing the backdune area of coastal sand dunes, providing wind erosion protection, and beautifying beaches. Its seed provides food for wildlife. The plant acts as a perennial in southern Florida and as a reseeding annual throughout central Florida. 

General Characteristics

Cucumberleaf sunflower is a low-growing herbaceous perennial. Leaves alternate along the stem and are deep green on both upper and lower surfaces. Leaves are broad, wedge-like to heart-shape, and approximately 2 to 3 inches long. Flowers are a daisy-like composite, bright yellow, and about 2¾ inches across; they can appear from March through November. The plant is broadly branched along the short stems. Many branches are decumbent or horizontal. The plant spreads readily by above ground stolon-like runners. 

Required Growing Conditions

While the species Helianthus debilis has a range from South Carolina to coastal Texas, the subspecies debilis is native to Florida. It is adapted to well-drained, droughty, nutrient poor soils, such as those found on beaches, as well as on some disturbed sites, parks, and solid waste reclamation sites. 

Cultivation and Care

It is best to work with vegetatively propagated plants. Although plants can be started from seed, there is no guarantee that the resulting plants will be true to type, since the various subspecies of Helianthus debilis can cross-pollinate. Generally no site preparation is required, and planting can be done December 1 through February 1 in southern Florida, March 1 through April 15 in northern Florida, or June 1 to August 1 during the rainy season throughout Florida. Plant rootmass of transplants ½ to 1 inch below the prevailing soil surface in rows on a 12- to 30-inch spacing. Offset plants in rows to deter wind erosion. Place 1/3 ounce of 14-14-14 slow release fertilizer in the hole with each plant or broadcast 100 to 150 lb of 10-5-10 fertilizer per acre 2 to 3 weeks after planting. Adequate water is necessary for up to 6 months, to insure survival of the planting. The plant should dictate by visible stress signs when water is needed. 

General Upkeep and Control

Broadcast 10-5-10 or equivalent at the rate of 150 to 200 lb per acre annually in mid-summer.

Pests and Potential Problems Plants may get occasional leaf spotting (cause unidentified) that disappears on its own after about 30 days. Thick vegetation can decay underneath, most likely due to poor air circulation. Insects do not appear to be a problem on cucumberleaf sunflower.

Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin) ‘Flora Sun’ (Martin County, Florida) was released by the Brooksville, Florida Plant Materials Center in 1991. The cultivar was selected for its ease of establishment and propagation, low water requirement, foliage density, plant spread, and aesthetic value. It is adapted for use on the east coast of Florida from St. Johns County south and on the Gulf coast of southern Texas. It is not recommended for the west coast of Florida (in particular from Pinellas to Sarasota County) because of the potential for genetic mixing with other Helianthus debilis prominent in that area.