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| ## Stiff sunflower {#stiff-sunflower .Title-Header}                   |
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| *Helianthus pauciflorus* Nutt.                                        |
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| Plant Symbol = HEPA19                                                 |
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Contributed by: USDA NRCS Bismarck Plant Materials Center

![Color image of Stiff Sunflower (Helianthus
pauciflorus)](media/image2.jpeg){width="2.8in"
height="1.8043307086614173in"}

##### Alternate Names {#alternate-names .Header-3}

few-leaved sunflower

##### Uses {#uses .Header-3}

This wildflower can be used to add diversity in prairie restoration and
range mixtures. It also provides erosion control, quality forage, and
wildlife benefits.

##### Status {#status .Header-3}

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural
Resources for this plant's current status (e.g. threatened or endangered
species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

##### Description {#description .Header-3}

Stiff sunflower is a strongly rhizomatous, native, perennial forb which
often forms dense colonies. Plant height varies from 1 to 5 feet. The
stiff, leathery leaves occur mostly at the base of the plant and have 3
prominent ribs; stems are stiff and rough. Blossoming occurs in late
summer. The 2½ inch wide flowers have yellow petals surrounding the
brown to purplish centers.

##### Adaptation and Distribution {#adaptation-and-distribution .Header-3}

Stiff sunflower is primarily native to the Midwest, from Michigan and
Indiana to Montana and New Mexico; it occurs less frequently in the
Northeast. The plant grows on many different soils but usually is found
on upland range sites with silty, shallow, thin soil. This plant is
readily eaten by livestock, so it is rarely found on lands which have
been long overgrazed.

For a current distribution map, please consult the Plant Profile page
for this species on the PLANTS Website.

##### Establishment {#establishment .Header-3}

Stiff sunflower is not usually seeded as a single species but rather in
a mix of other native species. On moist sites, it can be included with
little bluestem, big bluestem, and switchgrass. On drier sites, it can
be mixed with blue grama, little bluestem, and western wheatgrass. There
are approximately 85,000 seeds/lb. As part of a mixture, a seeding rate
of ¼ pure live seed (PLS) lb/ac will result in about one seed per every
two square feet. If a denser stand of stiff sunflower is desired for
specific areas, seeding rates up to 1 PLS lb/ac may be used.

Stiff sunflower is a small, smooth seed that flows easily through most
drills. Generally, seed is mixed with other native species. If seed
settles to the bottom of the box, it should be added in frequent
intervals rather than all at once. The seed should be planted into a
firm seedbed at a depth no greater than ½ inch. Seed of stiff sunflower
has high dormancy. A majority of the seed planted in the spring may not
germinate until the following spring. Dormant seeding with winter
stratification will enhance germination.

##### Management {#management .Header-3}

Stiff sunflower is persistent and long-lived with good management using
key grass species as indicators.

##### Pests and Potential Problems {#pests-and-potential-problems .Header-3}

Seed weevils and other insects may pose problems for seed production.

##### Environmental Concerns {#environmental-concerns .Header-3}

On adapted sites, stiff sunflower may spread rapidly by rhizomes. This
species is not recommended in small garden or prairie landscape
plantings unless spread is not a concern, or precautions are taken
(edging, hand-rogueing, or herbicides). Stiff sunflower is readily
controlled by most broadleaf herbicides.

##### Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin) {#cultivars-improved-and-selected-materials-and-area-of-origin .Header-3}

Bismarck Germplasm (North Dakota composite) stiff sunflower is a
pre-varietal release of *Helianthus pauciflorus* ssp. *pauciflorus* from
the Bismarck, North Dakota Plant Materials Center.

##### Prepared By & Species Coordinators:  {#prepared-by-species-coordinators .Header-3}

*Mike Knudson*, Assistant Manager/Forester, Bismarck Plant Materials
Center, Bismarck, North Dakota

*Dwight Tober*, Plant Materials Specialist, USDA NRCS, Bismarck, North
Dakota

##### Edited: 06Feb2002 JLK; 060801 jsp {#edited-06feb2002-jlk-060801-jsp .Header-4}

For more information about this and other plants, please contact your
local NRCS field office or Conservation District, and visit the PLANTS
Web site\<[http://plants.usda.gov](http://plants.usda.gov/)\> or the
Plant Materials Program Web site
\<[http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov](http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov/)\>

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large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA\'s [TARGET
Center](http://www.usda.gov/oo/target.htm) at 202-720-2600 (voice and
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*To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of
Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence
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*Read about [Civil Rights at the Natural Resources Convervation
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