Ashy Sunflower (Helianthus mollis)

Ashy sunflower is a colony-forming species that spreads both by seed and rhizome. Under ideal conditions, it is a very aggressive plant. Nevertheless, 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. Because of its aggressive nature, ashy sunflower could be part of the solution to some erosion problems.

Uses: Bees, pollinators, butterflies, birds, erosion, historically medicinal

Bloom time: July to October

Height:  2 to 4 feet

Space: 12 to 18 inches

Sun: Full sun to light shade

Moisture: Dry to average, well-drained

Seed: Sow seed between December and February. It will benefit from some cold-moist stratification.