Ashy Sunflower
(Helianthus mollis)
Ashy Sunflower (Helianthus mollis)
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Elias
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Elias
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Elias | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Elias | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-08-22T15:11:21-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Helianthus mollis, commonly known as Ashy Sunflower, is a deciduous perennial herb native to prairies, glades, and open woodlands in the Central and Eastern United States. It typically grows up to 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) tall and spreads via underground rhizomes. The plant has a distinctive appearance with its soft, hairy leaves that are mostly arranged along the stem, each leaf being egg-shaped with serrated edges. From July to September, it produces 1-15 flower heads per plant, each with 17-22 bright yellow ray florets encircling 75 or more yellow disc florets, creating a showy display that attracts pollinators.
Ashy Sunflower is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it a low-maintenance choice for naturalistic plantings and restoration projects. It is often used in prairie gardens, borders, and as a cut flower due to its attractive blooms. This species prefers full sun exposure and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they have medium to fast drainage. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, powdery mildew can sometimes be a problem in humid conditions. It is also important to manage its spread, as it can become aggressive in garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0
Ashy Sunflower is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it a low-maintenance choice for naturalistic plantings and restoration projects. It is often used in prairie gardens, borders, and as a cut flower due to its attractive blooms. This species prefers full sun exposure and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they have medium to fast drainage. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, powdery mildew can sometimes be a problem in humid conditions. It is also important to manage its spread, as it can become aggressive in garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-4 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Prairies, glades, and open woodlands
Other Names
Common Names: Hairy Sunflower, Downy Sunflower, Soft Sunflower, Hélianthe Soyeux, Dunsolros
Scientific Names: , Helianthus mollis, Helianthus mollis var. cordatus, Helianthus canescens, Helianthus mollis f. mollis, Helianthus mollis var. mollis,
GBIF Accepted Name: Helianthus mollis Lam.