What's eating my woodland sunflower?

Woodland Sunflower grows in part-shade where slugs, snails, and aphids are the leading threats to its foliage. Spider mites may flare in dry spells. Deer and rabbits readily browse this native in woodland garden settings. Its rhizomatous habit means it regrows from damage quickly, but repeated browsing will weaken colonies.

Irregular leaf holes and slime trails; worst on young spring shoots and in humid, shaded spots. Hand-pick at night; use iron phosphate slug pellets; clear leaf litter to reduce hiding places.

Soft-bodied clusters on stem tips; honeydew deposits attract ants and promote sooty mold. Spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; encourage lacewings and parasitic wasps.

Stems browsed or snapped off; rabbits gnaw stems close to the ground; worst in spring. Protective fencing or repellent sprays around garden perimeter; hardware-cloth cylinders for new clumps.