Sunflower, Pale Leaf Woodland - Helianthus strumosus

Helianthus strumosus, or Pale Leaf Woodland Sunflower, is a perennial wildflower native to Michigan and the UP. It prefers medium-wet to medium-dry soil in open woodlands, meadows, and low areas, full to partial sun.
 
Pale Leaf Sunflower blooms summer through frost with a 3" yellow bloom, and reaches 2 to 5 feet in height. Spreads by rhizome and may not be suitable for small gardens; alternately, divide it every few years to control spread. Likely to be less aggressive in dryer soil.
 
Like most sunflowers, it is an excellent host plant and attracts bees and butterflies. Host plant for Silvery Checkerspot butterflies. Seeds make it popular with birds.  Drought tolerant once established. The literature calls it and other sunflowers deer resistant, but in our experience, the people writing the literature have not met our deer. Protect until established. Once established, deer browse may help balance its tendency to spread.