False sunflower (ox-eye) Heliopsis helianthoides
False sunflower (ox-eye) (Heliopsis helianthoides) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Asteraceae family, native to Eastern and central North America. It grows 90 cm–1.5 m (35 in–4.9 ft) tall and 50–80 cm (20–31 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -38 °C (-36 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
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False sunflower (ox-eye) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 90 cm–1.5 m (35 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50–80 cm (20–31 in) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -38 °C (-36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern and central North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇱 Poland |
Is False sunflower (ox-eye) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with False sunflower (ox-eye)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about False sunflower (ox-eye)
- How far apart should I plant False sunflower (ox-eye)?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–80 cm (20–31 in).
- Does False sunflower (ox-eye) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does False sunflower (ox-eye) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is False sunflower (ox-eye)?
- It tolerates about -38 °C (-36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does False sunflower (ox-eye) flower?
- From about June for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is False sunflower (ox-eye) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with False sunflower (ox-eye)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for False sunflower (ox-eye). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- VASCAN: Database of Vascular Plants of Canada, Canadensys / Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre
Notes and assumptions
- Golden daisies from early summer to autumn on sturdy stems; tolerant of poor soil and a long-flowering prairie perennial.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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