Local Ecotype
Perennial
Full sun
Medium to Dry
To 4’ tall, colony-forming
Blooms early to mid summer
Rugged perennial sunflower of dry prairies and scrubby open woods. The stiff foliage is covered in hairs that give a blue-gray tone to the foliage, creating an “ashy” appearance. Ashy Sunflower is well adapted to poor, sandy or clay soils and has excellent drought tolerance. The bloom period begins in mid summer and may continue into early fall. The flowers are visited by bumblebees and various insects, and the oil-rich seeds are relished by songbirds and small mammals. Host for Silvery Checkerspot. This species forms small colonies through rhizomes. It requires full to part sun. It is best grown in medium to dry conditions. If grown in rich soil with abundant moisture, it has a tendency to grow lush and top heavy. Grows 2-4 feet in average conditions.
Local Ecotype
Perennial
Full sun
Medium to Dry
To 4’ tall, colony-forming
Blooms early to mid summer
Rugged perennial sunflower of dry prairies and scrubby open woods. The stiff foliage is covered in hairs that give a blue-gray tone to the foliage, creating an “ashy” appearance. Ashy Sunflower is well adapted to poor, sandy or clay soils and has excellent drought tolerance. The bloom period begins in mid summer and may continue into early fall. The flowers are visited by bumblebees and various insects, and the oil-rich seeds are relished by songbirds and small mammals. Host for Silvery Checkerspot. This species forms small colonies through rhizomes. It requires full to part sun. It is best grown in medium to dry conditions. If grown in rich soil with abundant moisture, it has a tendency to grow lush and top heavy. Grows 2-4 feet in average conditions.