Downy Sunflower

Helianthus mollis Also commonly known as Ashy Sunflower. A species of sunflower widespread across much of the United States and Canada in prairies, roadsides, dry open woods, rocky glades, fields, and thickets. The leaves are mostly along the stem rather than crowded near the base, each egg-shaped. Fine, soft, downy hairs cover the stems and leaves, giving it a blueish-gray-green appearance. Flowers boom abundantly through summer. It spreads aggressively by both rhizomes and reseeding. Its preference is for poor, drier soils, those with gravel, rock or clay, where it will form dense stands. But it will do well and actually grow taller in nutrient-rich medium soils, too. There is evidence that the root system has an allelopathic agent that prevents other plants from growing around it. Downy Sunflower is very aggressive - a quality some might look for especially in land restoration, for erosion issues, or to cover large landscapes. However, in a small landscape setting it's a plant that could easily take over an entire area. Also, removal of the seed head before the seed is ripe is preferable to weeding unwanted seedlings. It is beneficial to a wide variety of insects and wildlife. The foliage is a food source for checkerspot butterflies, and the seeds are a favorite of goldfinches and other birds. Height: 3'-6' Spread: Spreads by rhizomes and self-seeding. Bloom: July-September Light: Full Sun-Part Shade Water: Low-Medium Zone: 3-9 Origin: Texas, Midwestern and Eastern U.S.