Each flower and tree is interesting to see ~ watch closely as each unfolds.
 

Helianthus salicifolius 'First Light'
Attractive foliage and profuse late summer to fall bloom. Drought tolerant plants transform into solid, glowing mass of light yellow, daisy-type flowers. Clump forming perennial with linear to lance shaped leaves. Thick sturdy stems, staking unnecessary. Flowerheads 2-3 inches across, with golden yellow ray florets and brown disk florets, open in eary and midautumn. The American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia denotes it can reach 8 ft high - mine have been 3-4 ft. Great, long lasting cut flowers! I have seen no serious insect or disease problems. Fall bloom: started 23 Sept - Nov.
2003 - Wow - What a fall bloomer, visible from far away. Purchased from Mothers Earth Greenhouse.
2004 - Great come back this year. Simply no care plant. I love this one. No pest or disease noted. Many little plants popped up this year from the seeds last year. Dug them up and gave them to people - did great for everyone. -- Spreads by seed freely.

CULTIVATION: Grow in moderately fertile, humus rich, moist but well drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Sunflowers need long, hot summers to flower well. Most will tolerate dry soil. 5 ft and over may need support. Top dress perennials annually with compost or well-rotted manure, and divide every 2-4 years to maintain vigor.
PROPAGATION: Divide in spring or autumn. ARoot basal cuttings in spring. Self seeds freely.
PESTS AND DISEASES: Downy mildew, powdery mildew, canker, rust, and many fungal leaf spots are common. Caterpilars, cutworms, beetles, and weevis may attack plants.

H. salicifolius 'First Light'

Zone: 6 - 9    -    H 9 - 6	Sun
Height: 3 - 6 feet	Width: 24 - 36 inches
Bloom Time: Fall	Bloom Color: Bright Yellow
Location: Rear left river birch	Planted: 2003, more in 2004