Helianthus praecox is a North American species of sunflower known by the common name Texas sunflower.

Most of the populations are either along the Gulf Coast or in the Río Grande Valley.

[2] Helianthus praecox grows on sandy soils and coastal prairies.

It is an annual herb up to 150 cm (60 inches or 5 feet) tall.

One plant usually produces 1-3 flower heads, each containing 11-16 yellow ray florets surrounding 35 or more red or purple disc florets.