Helianthus bolanderi (synonym: Helianthus exilis) is a rare forb species endemic to California's North Coast Ranges. This plant is restricted to areas within serpentine outcrops, where it occurs in insular metapopulations.

Also known as Serpentine sunflower, this annual forb achieves a height of 60 to 150 centimeters. The erect stems are hispid to hirsute. Leaves are chiefly cauline and typically alternate. Leaf petioles are one to four centimeters in length.