Common Woolly Sunflower

(Eriophyllum lanatum)

Common Woolly Sunflower (Eriophyllum lanatum)

Larry Blakely

Public Domain

Image By: Larry Blakely

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Eriophyllum lanatum, commonly known as Common Woolly Sunflower or Oregon Sunshine, is a perennial herb that is native to a variety of habitats including dry open forests, grasslands, and rocky outcrops in the Western United States. It typically grows from 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 centimeters) in height and forms well-branched clumps. The plant’s stems and leaves are often covered with a dense layer of woolly gray hairs, which serve to conserve water by reflecting heat and reducing air movement across the leaf surface, though some plants may lack these hairs. The woolly sunflower’s flowers are bright yellow and resemble true sunflowers, with one flower head per flowering stalk. Each flower head features 6–14 ray florets that are darker at the base and numerous disk florets. It blooms from May to August, with the flowers being particularly showy and attracting pollinators.

The Common Woolly Sunflower is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is also used in restoration projects and as an ornamental in rock gardens and borders due to its attractive foliage and cheerful flowers. This plant prefers full sun to part shade and requires minimal water once established, thriving in well-drained soils. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 1-2 feet
Width: 1-2 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Yellow
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
Leaf Retention: Semi-deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Low
Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to dry open forests, grasslands, and rocky outcrops in the Western United States

Other Names

Common Names: Oregon Sunshine , Woolly Eriophyllum , Common Woolly-Sunflower , Ériophylle Laineux , Ullblad , Woody Eriophyllum , Woolly Daisy

Scientific Names: Eriophyllum lanatum , Eriophyllum caespitosum , Bahia lanata , Eriophyllum lanatum var. typicum , Eriophyllum multiflorum , Eriophyllum harfordii , Eriophyllum superbum , Eriophyllum speciosum , Eriophyllum gracile , Eriophyllum cineraria

GBIF Accepted Name: Eriophyllum lanatum (Pursh) Forbes