It is native to the south-central and eastern United States, found in all the coastal states from Texas to Long Island, and inland as far as Missouri.

[2][3] It is typically found in the coastal plain habitat (both the Atlantic and Gulf), particularly in wet areas.

Although, in general, this species prefers low, moist ground, it is tolerant of conditions varying from bogs and swamps near sea level to relatively dry, well drained, gravelly clay.

[5] Helianthus angustifolius is often cultivated for its bright, showy yellow flowers.

It is a perennial herb sometimes as much as 150 centimetres (59 in) tall.