Downy Sunflower Helianthus mollis Asteraceae

Flashy 3-4” bright yellow sunflowers atop fuzzy stems from July through October, downy gray-green heart-shaped leaves up to 5”, forms colonies by rhizomes, easy to grow, drought resistant, tolerates clay soil (actually prefers poor soil!), attracts butterflies, host plant for Silvery & Gorgone Checkerspot Butterfly caterpillars (Chlosyne nycteis & Chlosyne gorgone), Goldfinches love the seeds.

2-3’ tall
Plant Hardiness Zones: 4a-10b
Perennial

Native Range: NS, s. QC & ON, south to GA mountains & e. TX. Rare in MI & OH

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