What is a false sunflower?

False sunflower is a common name for Heliopsis helianthoides, or ox eye sunflower. Heliopsis plants are very similar to plants in the Helianthus genus, which is the true sunflower.

Heliopsis helianthoides is a perennial with orange-yellow petals and a brown eye, and it is best grown in full sun with dry to medium-wet soil. It can grow 3 to 6 feet tall, while spreading 2 to 4 feet. It is a low maintenance plant that can tolerate poor soil conditions, drought and erosion.

The flower blooms from June to August and is often used as a cut flower. The scientific name is partly derived from the Greek word "helios" meaning "sun."