A study published in the Wilson Journal of Ornithology found that sunflower seeds are among the most preferred foods for over 40 species of birds.1
These towering plants not only add a splash of sunshine to your garden but can transform it into a bustling avian paradise.
Are you curious about which varieties will have your garden chirping with activity? Here are the 10 stunning sunflower types guaranteed to make your outdoor space the talk of the bird community.
1. Mammoth Grey Stripe
The Mammoth Grey Stripe sunflower is a giant towering over most garden plants. This variety grows up to 12 feet tall and produces massive flower heads that can reach 12 inches in diameter.
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These colossal blooms are not just impressive to look at; they’re also bird magnets.
As the seeds mature, the large heads droop, making them easily accessible to various birds. Finches, chickadees, and even larger birds like cardinals flock to these sunflowers.
The grey-striped seeds are particularly high in oil content, providing excellent nutrition for birds preparing for migration or braving cold winters.
2. Lemon Queen
The Lemon Queen sunflower is an excellent choice for a softer, more delicate look that still packs a punch for bird attraction. This variety grows to a more manageable height of 5-7 feet, making it suitable for smaller gardens.
Lemon Queen sunflowers are known for their pale yellow petals surrounding a dark brown center. Their abundant pollen production makes them particularly attractive to birds.
This characteristic draws in pollinators like bees that attracts insect-eating birds.
As the seeds develop, they become a favorite food source for goldfinches and other small birds.
3. Black Oil Sunflower
While not the most visually striking variety, Black Oil sunflowers are arguably the best for attracting diverse bird species. These sunflowers typically grow to about 6-10 feet tall and produce medium-sized heads filled with small, black seeds.
The magic of Black Oil sunflowers lies in their seeds. They have a higher oil content than other varieties, making them nutritious for birds.
The thin shells are easy for even small birds to crack open. This variety is so popular among birds that it’s often the main ingredient in commercial birdseed mixes.
Expect to see everything from chickadees and nuthatches to cardinals and blue jays visiting these plants.
4. Autumn Beauty
The Autumn Beauty sunflower is a top choice for gardeners who want to combine visual appeal with bird-attracting power. This variety offers a stunning array of colors, ranging from deep red and bronze to bright yellow, often on the same plant.
Growing to about 5-7 feet tall, Autumn Beauty produces multiple branches with 4-6 inch flower heads.
This branching habit means more flowers and, subsequently, more seeds per plant, providing an extended feeding period for birds.
Various colors can also attract different bird species, with some drawn to specific hues.
5. Dwarf Sunspot
Not every garden has room for towering sunflowers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t attract birds. The Dwarf Sunspot sunflower grows just 2-3 feet tall, making it perfect for small spaces or container gardens.
Despite its small stature, the Dwarf Sunspot produces large 10-inch flower heads on compact plants. These sizable blooms appeal to ground-feeding birds like doves and juncos.
The lower height also makes observing birds up close as they feed easier.
6. Evening Sun
The Evening Sun sunflower is hard to beat for a truly unique look that still appeals to birds. This variety produces flowers in rich, warm tones of bronze, mahogany, and burgundy, often with a hint of gold.
Growing to about 6-8 feet tall, Evening Sun sunflowers create a dramatic backdrop in any garden.
The dark-colored petals contrast beautifully with the brown centers, making them visually striking. Birds are particularly drawn to the large, nutrient-rich seeds these plants produce.
The variety of colors can also attract different species of birds, adding diversity to your garden visitors.
7. Maximilian Sunflower
For those looking for a perennial option, the Maximilian sunflower is an excellent choice. Native to North America, this variety can grow up to 10 feet tall and produces numerous small, bright yellow flowers along its stalks.
Maximilian sunflowers bloom later in the season than many other varieties, providing a crucial food source for birds preparing for migration.
The plant’s height and sturdy stems make it an ideal bird perch.
Goldfinches are particularly fond of this variety, often clinging to the stems to feed on the seeds.
8. Teddy Bear
Another compact option for small spaces, the Teddy Bear sunflower grows to just 2-3 feet tall. What makes this variety unique are its fluffy, double-petaled blooms, which resemble pom-poms.
While the Teddy Bear sunflower might not produce as many seeds as larger varieties, its compact size and unusual appearance make it attractive to curious birds.
The dense petals can also shelter small birds, making it a dual-purpose plant in your bird-friendly garden.
9. Russian Mammoth
Like the Mammoth Grey Stripe, the Russian Mammoth sunflower is another giant variety that birds adore. These plants can reach heights of 9-12 feet and produce enormous flower heads up to 14 inches in diameter.
The sheer size of Russian Mammoth sunflowers makes them impossible for birds to ignore.
As the large heads begin to droop with the weight of mature seeds, they become accessible buffets for a wide range of bird species.
The seeds are also large and easy for birds to handle, making them a favorite among larger species like jays and woodpeckers.
10. Soraya
Rounding out our list is the Soraya sunflower, a variety that offers both beauty and bounty for birds. Soraya grows about 6 feet tall and produces multiple branches with 4-6 inch golden-orange flowers.
What sets Soraya apart is its long blooming period and sturdy stems. These provide birds with a prolonged food source and stable perches.
The branching habit also allows multiple birds to feed at once, making your garden a popular gathering spot for various species.
By planting a mix of these varieties, you’ll enjoy a stunning display of colors and forms and provide a diverse and long-lasting food source for your feathered visitors.
Source:
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.