Downy Sunflower - AR River Valley Ecotype (Helianthus mollis)
Downy Sunflower is a 2' to 5' tall native perennial that grows best in full sun sites. The common name is derived from the dense covering of soft greyish hairs on the stem and leaves. It is a summer and early fall flowering plant that has large 3" wide yellow flowers. The plant grows best in dry to medium moisture soils and performs well in poor sandy or rocky soils. Downy Sunflower will form dense colonies from their spreading rhizomes on good sites. Not a good choice for formal garden; however, it is ideal for native gardens, borders, wildflower meadows, and wildlife habitat plantings. Birds eat the seed and it is a nectar source for numerous native bees. This ecotype is made possible in partnership with Audubon Delta. Prices listed are based on pure live seed weight, not bulk weight. You are only paying for viable seed.
Species Details
Common Name (Botanical Name) | Downy Sunflower - AR River Valley Ecotype (Helianthus mollis) |
Alternatative Common Names | Ashy Sunflower |
Botanical Synonyms |
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Bloom Season | Summer-Fall |
Group | Wildflowers/Forbs |
Bloom Color | Yellow |
Duration | Perennial |
Soil moisture | Dry (Xeric);Medium (Mesic) |
Soil texture | Medium (Silt/Loam) |
Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
Status | Native |
Wetland status | |
pH | Acidic;Neutral |
pH Values | |
Average height | 2-3ft |
USDA Zones | 4a;4b;5a;5b;6a;6b;7a;7b;8a;8b; |
RNS Region | 1;2;3 |
Planting rate/Acre | Not Recommended |
Seeds Per Lb. | 112000 |
Seeds Per Oz | 7000 |
Seeds Per Packet | 300 |
Product Benefits | Aesthetic Value;Low Growing;Wildlife Cover;Wildlife Food;Wildlife Nesting;Nectar Source; |