Flowers That Look Like Sunflowers: A Guide to Identifying Them

If you're a fan of sunflowers, you might be surprised to know that there are other flowers out there that look similar. However, not all yellow and brown flowers are sunflowers. In this article, we'll show you some of the most common flowers that resemble sunflowers and how to tell them apart.

1. The Mexican Sunflower

The Mexican Sunflower is often used as a substitute for sunflowers in warm climates.

The Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia) is native to Mexico and Central America, but is now found throughout the world in warm climates. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and has orange-yellow petals that surround a brown center. The leaves of the Mexican Sunflower are also similar to a sunflower's, with jagged edges and a rough texture.

2. The Jerusalem Artichoke

The Jerusalem Artichoke is a type of sunflower that is grown for its edible tubers.

The Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) is a type of sunflower that is grown for its edible tubers. Its yellow petals surround a brown center, just like a sunflower, but the plant is much shorter, usually reaching only about 6 feet tall. The leaves of the Jerusalem Artichoke are heart-shaped and slightly hairy.

3. The Brown-Eyed Susan

The Brown-Eyed Susan is a common wildflower that resembles a sunflower.

The Brown-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba) is a common wildflower found throughout North America. It can grow up to 5 feet tall and has bright yellow petals that surround a dark brown center. The leaves of the Brown-Eyed Susan are long and thin, with jagged edges.

4. The Maximilian Sunflower

The Maximilian Sunflower is a tall plant with bright yellow flowers.

The Maximilian Sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani) is a tall plant that can grow up to 10 feet tall. Its bright yellow petals surround a dark brown center, just like a sunflower. The leaves of the Maximilian Sunflower are long and narrow, with a slight fuzz on both sides.

5. The Prairie Sunflower

The Prairie Sunflower is a hardy plant that grows in dry climates.

The Prairie Sunflower (Helianthus petiolaris) is a hardy plant that grows in dry climates. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and has bright yellow petals that surround a dark brown center. The leaves of the Prairie Sunflower are long and narrow, with a slightly fuzzy texture.

6. The False Sunflower

The False Sunflower is a popular garden flower that resembles the real thing.

The False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides) is a popular garden flower that looks similar to a sunflower. It can grow up to 5 feet tall and has bright yellow petals that surround a dark brown center. The leaves of the False Sunflower are oval-shaped and slightly hairy.

7. The Goldenrod

The Goldenrod is a wildflower that blooms in late summer and early fall.

The Goldenrod (Solidago sp.) is a wildflower that blooms in late summer and early fall. It can grow up to 7 feet tall and has bright yellow flowers that are similar in shape to a sunflower's. However, the center of the flower is usually lighter in color than a sunflower's. The leaves of the Goldenrod are long and thin, with jagged edges.

Mexican Sunflower, Jerusalem Artichoke, Brown-Eyed Susan, Maximilian Sunflower, Prairie Sunflower, False Sunflower, and Goldenrod are all flowers that look like sunflowers.