We know autumn is upon us when this majestic perennial begins to bloom. For months willow-leaf sunflower has sent up billows of thin, willowy, drooping leaves on upright stems up to nine feet tall. In early September the yellow daisy-like flowers with purple-brown eyes put on a show and attract late season pollinators. This plant is native from New York to Texas, but it is uncommon, preferring undisturbed rocky outcroppings. In cultivation it is not fussy about soil but needs plenty of room to grow.