Willow-leaved Sunflower 'Table Mountain' is a compact cultivar of a Missouri native wildflower that brings late-season color without the staking demands of taller varieties. This perennial produces branched clusters of bright yellow 2 to 2.5-inch sunflowers with dark brown center disks from September through October, held on rigid, whitish-green stems. Hardy in zones 5 through 9, it thrives in full sun with moderate water and low maintenance, growing to a restrained 12 to 18 inches tall and wide, making it far more manageable than the wild species that can reach 5 to 6 feet. The narrow, drooping willow-like pale green leaves give the plant its distinctive character while remaining attractive to butterflies and other pollinators throughout its bloom window.
24
Full Sun
Moderate
5-9
18in H x 18in W
—
High
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The 'Table Mountain' selection distinguishes itself by staying short and sturdy, standing 12 to 18 inches tall without requiring staking, unlike the wild form that often exceeds 5 feet and demands support. Its bright yellow flowers with dark centers bloom reliably from September into October, attracting butterflies and birds to the garden during a season when many perennials are fading. The narrow, drooping willow-like foliage creates an airy, refined texture that feels lighter and more delicate than typical sunflowers, yet the plant is remarkably tough, thriving in average soil, tolerating clay, and resisting deer pressure.
Willow-leaved Sunflower 'Table Mountain' is primarily grown for naturalizing in perennial borders and prairie-style gardens where its compact stature and late blooms fill gaps left by spring and summer bloomers. The showy flowers work well as fresh cut stems, bringing long-lasting bright yellow color and structure to arrangements. Its low stature and dense, airy foliage make it useful in front-of-border placements where taller varieties would overwhelm, while its appeal to butterflies and birds adds ecological value to any planting scheme.
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Cut flower stems for arrangements when the blooms are open and displaying their full bright yellow ray petals and dark brown center disks, typically during the September through October bloom window. Stems can be cut at any point along the rigid whitish-green stem; the cut flowers are long-lasting and suitable for fresh arrangements.
Divide established clumps every 3 to 4 years to manage the plant's spread and maintain vigor; this is the primary pruning task for maintaining healthy colonies. No deadheading or cutting back is required for this low-maintenance perennial.
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“Helianthus salicifolius is native to unglaciated western Missouri prairie areas south of the Missouri River, where it has flourished for centuries as a wildflower in native grassland ecosystems. The 'Table Mountain' cultivar represents a selection bred specifically to overcome the challenges of the species' tendency toward excessive height and sprawl, creating a version that garden-scale spaces can actually accommodate. This breeding work transformed a prairie native into a practical ornamental perennial without sacrificing the plant's ecological value or the character that makes the species botanically distinct.”