False Sunflower Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Waterperry Gold'

Names

• Family

  Asteraceae.

• Synonyms

  False Sunflower, Rough Heliopsis, Smooth Oxeye, Summer Sunflower, Waterperry Gold.

• Common names

  Heliopsis helianthoides (L.) Sweet.

Toxicity

• To humans

  False Sunflower, the common name for Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Waterperry Gold', is not considered highly toxic to humans. Typically, consuming parts of this plant does not lead to severe poisoning. However, as with many plants, it is possible for some individuals to experience allergic reactions or upset stomach upon ingesting parts of the False Sunflower. Ingesting significant quantities may result in gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If any part of the plant is ingested and symptoms are experienced, medical advice should be sought.

• To pets

  In pets, the False Sunflower may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested. There is no widely recognized severe toxicity associated with this plant in common pets such as cats and dogs. However, if a pet consumes a large amount of the plant, symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea may occur due to the non-specific irritant nature of plants. As with any non-food plant material, pets should not be encouraged to eat False Sunflower, and if they do, pet owners should monitor for signs of gastrointestinal discomfort and seek veterinary advice if symptoms persist.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Yellow

• Height

  3-4 feet (91-122 cm)

• Spread

  2-3 feet (61-91 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  3-9

• Native area

  North America

General Benefits

• Attracts Pollinators: Heliopsis helianthoides 'Waterperry Gold', commonly known as False Sunflower, brings bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, enhancing pollination.
• Easy to Grow: It is known for being a hardy plant that doesn't require much maintenance, making it suitable for novice gardeners or those with less time for upkeep.
• Drought Tolerant: Once established, False Sunflower has good drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering during hot and dry periods.
• Long Blooming: With a lengthy blooming period, usually from early summer to fall, it provides consistent color and interest in the garden landscape.
• Cut Flowers: The vibrant yellow blooms are excellent for use in fresh floral arrangements and provide a prolonged vase life.
• Versatile Landscaping: It can be planted in garden borders, beds, and as part of a mixed perennial border, offering flexibility in garden design.
• Wildlife Habitat: The plant provides food and habitat for local wildlife, including birds which may feed on the seeds in the late season.
• Fast Growth: False Sunflower exhibits rapid growth, allowing gardeners to establish a full, lush garden display relatively quickly.
• Colorful Foliage: In addition to its golden flowers, it features attractive, serrated foliage that adds texture to a garden setting.
• Winter Interest: The dried seed heads can be left standing to add texture and interest to the winter garden as well as food for birds.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Waterperry Gold', commonly known as false sunflower, can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yielding shades of yellow or green depending on the mordant used.
• When dried, the stems of the false sunflower can be used in floral arrangements, adding height and a touch of gold to the composition.
• Its vibrant, golden-yellow flowers are attractive to photographers and artists, often being featured as subjects in various forms of art due to their striking appearance.
• The plant can serve as a thematic element in garden design, emphasizing a sunny, gold-themed garden space that highlights warm tones.
• The seeds of the false sunflower can be added to bird feed mixes to attract goldfinches and other seed-eating birds to the garden.
• Use the robust nature of the plant to prevent soil erosion in areas where other plants may struggle, due to its ability to thrive in poor soil conditions.
• The plant's resilient characteristics make it a good candidate for xeriscaping, which is landscape design that requires little to no irrigation.
• During educational nature activities, the false sunflower can be used to illustrate plant adaptation and survival strategies in prairie ecosystems.
• The plant can be included in sensory gardens for the visually impaired, as it has textured leaves and flowers that are interesting to touch.
• As part of a mindfulness or therapy garden, false sunflowers' bright flowers can have a cheering effect and contribute to a calming environment.

Feng Shui

False Sunflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

False Sunflower is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Perseverance and Determination: Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Waterperry Gold', commonly known as Ox-eye Sunflower, is a hardy plant that thrives in various conditions, symbolizing the ability to persevere and remain determined despite challenges.
• Admiration and Devotion: With its bright yellow-gold flowers that resemble the sun, the Ox-eye Sunflower is often associated with warmth, creating a connection to feelings of admiration, similar to the way the sunflower turns to the sun, representing devotion.
• Longevity and Good Health: The robust nature of the Ox-eye Sunflower, coupled with its long blooming season, can signify a wish for long life and good health.
• Energy and Vitality: The vibrant color of 'Waterperry Gold' emits a sense of energy and vitality and is often used to invigorate life and to spark a sense of joy and enthusiasm.
• Positivity and Radiance: Its resemblance to the sun imparts a sense of positivity, suggesting a radiant personality, or the ability to bring light into someone’s life.