Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Eriophyllum lanatum (Pursh) Forbes
Common woolly sunflower, Common woolly-sunflower, Oregon sunshine
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
This is an exceedingly variable species with many different varieties. A grayish, woolly, leafy plant with several branched stems ending in short leafless stalks and golden-yellow flower heads. Plants may be erect or sprawling and from 4-18 in. in height. All grow as open, mounds with multiple, spreading branches; white-woolly, lobed leaves; and large (2 in.) yellow, sunflower-like flowers
solitary at the ends of stems. It is a shrubby
perennial with a woody base.
This common and variable species often colors banks along roads with a blaze of yellow in drier portions of the West. The plants white hairs, by reflecting heat and reducing air movement across the leafs surface, conserve water.
Image Gallery:
2 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Annual Habit: Herb Flower:
Fruit: Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: CA , ID , MT , NV , OR , UT , WA , WY
Canada: BC Native Distribution: S. CA (more common northward) to B.C., e. to Rocky Mts. & Great Basin. Formerly also on Guadalupe Island off Baja California, Mexico.
Native Habitat: Open or brushy, dry areas to moist, shady banks
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Drought Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Dry, sandy soil.
Conditions Comments: For best results, plant in groups and prune the dead branches. Because the species is so variable, it is especially important to choose material from a habitat that matches your site.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Butterflies - attracts orange sulfur, red admiral, comma, and skipper butterflies
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Last Update: 2007-01-01
