Helianthus mollis (Ashy Sunflower)
Ashy Sunflower, Downy Sunflower
Helianthus mollis (Ashy Sunflower) is an upright perennial with pubescent leaves and stems (covered with hair) giving them an ash-like gray color, hence the common name. The stems are clad with sharply toothed, broad oval leaves, 6 in. long (15 cm), and are branched in their upper part. From early summer to early fall, they are topped with a profusion of yellow flowers, 4 in. across (10 cm), each adorn with up to 15-30 yellow rays and a yellow center disk. The blossoms are particularly attractive to birds as they love to eat the seeds directly from the seedheads. Ashy Sunflower spreads in the landscape by rhizomes and self-seeding to form colonies. It is perfect for adding long-lasting summer color in naturalized areas.
- Typically grows up to 2-4 ft. tall (60-120 cm) and 1-3 ft. wide (30-90 cm).
- Performs best in full sun in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. However, this plant is not too fussy about soils and tolerates a wide range of conditions, excluding clay soils. Drought tolerant once established.
- Low maintenance, this is an excellent choice for cottage gardens, bird or butterfly gardens, wildflower gardens, prairies and meadows.
- Keep an eye out for rust, leaf fungal spots, powdery mildew, caterpillars and beetles.
- Native to central and eastern North America.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
4 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Compositae |
| Genus | Helianthus |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall |
| Height |
2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Spacing | 36" (90cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Midwest, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Northeast, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Southeast, Southwest, Tennessee, Texas, United States, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin |
| Tolerance | Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
| Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens
Requirements
| Hardiness |
4 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Compositae |
| Genus | Helianthus |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall |
| Height |
2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Spacing | 36" (90cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Midwest, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Northeast, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Southeast, Southwest, Tennessee, Texas, United States, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin |
| Tolerance | Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
| Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
