Native Sunflower - Native

Native Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), or common annual sunflower, is a warm-season annual forb recognized for its tall sturdy stems and large bright yellow petals surrounding a dark center disk. Native to North America, this iconic plant typically grows 3–10 feet tall depending on growing conditions.

While Native Sunflowers can handle a range of soils, they do best in well-drained, moderately fertile soils. They also prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH and require full sun for optimal growth and bloom. They tend to struggle in very sandy soils preferring loamy and clay soils.

These sunflowers offer substantial wildlife value attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies while providing seeds that birds and small mammals readily consume. Native sunflowers serve as an attractive addition to biodiverse plantings and are often grown for cut flowers or as a striking focal point in gardens.

For non-sandy soils we think the common annual sunflower (native sunflower) is the best food plot for dove. Plant in the fall or early winter. Planting during the cool season will help break the natural dormancy of the sunflower seed and therefore provide the best chance for sprouting in the spring.