Ashy sunflower

Sunflowers (Helianthus) are grouped under the Asteraceae family. There are many native and cultivated sunflowers within Helianthus genus. The word 'helianthus' is derived from the Latin “helios” (sun) and “anthos” (flower). “Mollis” means soft. So, Helianthus mollis has a common name of Soft sunflower. It is also known as Ashy or Downy sunflower because of its distinct sage green foliage and downy stems.

The opening flower bud is as lovely as the flower. The clasping ray florets are soft yellow and surrounded by the fuzzy green bracts.

Soft yellow petals (ray flowers) provide a beautiful contrast with the gray-green leaves of Helianthus mollis. The ray flowers are sterile. The fertile part of the flower are the disk florets. There are 15-30 florets located in the central disk. They are initially green and gradually turn yellow beginning with the outermost florets. Each disk floret develops a corolla tube with 5 protruding stamens with dark anthers.

This pretty sunflower varies from 2.5 to 5 feet tall at maturity. The height varies year to year depending on rainfall, heat and other factors. It's easy to distinguish Helianthus mollis from its sunflower relatives by noting the gray-green foliage covered with a profusion of fine hairs. The early spring growth is particularly beautiful as the young leaves appear to be covered with soft white fur.

At maturity, the leaves become stiff and rough to the touch. The hirsute stem remains unbranched until dividing into a few flowering stalks near the top of the plant. The broad, lanceolate leaves are opposite and measure approximately 4″ in length and 2.5 ” in width. They are sessile (without stalks) and may clasp the stem. Dense hairs cover both sides of the leaves, hence the common name, Downy sunflower. The leaves tend to develop rusty spots post maturity and quickly turn black if bruised or dried.

Helianthus mollis is pollinated primarily by various types of bees, such as Bumble bees, Metallic green sweat bees, Longhorn bees, Leafcutter bees and among others. Other pollinators include soldier beetles and bee flies. Butterflies visit the flowers for nectar and may aid in pollination.

Here in northern Arkansas, I find Ashy sunflower most commonly in grassland or prairie habitat. I also see it where glade and grassland meet and occasionally at the woodland edge. While it can take full sun, I find it does better with some afternoon shade. Some years we have summer heat coupled with extensive dry periods. When this happens, flower buds bend downward, lower leaves blacken and flowering is diminished. But in years with adequate rain, Ashy sunflower is a spectacle to behold!

Helianthus mollis is native to the Midwest and Eastern states. Natureserve shows its overall status as Apparently Secure, however it is listed as Critically Imperiled in Ohio and Nebraska. It is Apparently Secure in Kansas and Alabama and Secure in Kentucky. All other states within its range show No Status Rank.

Ashy sunflower is important for wildlife. It is a host plant for the caterpillars of the Silvery checkerspot butterfly. Its seeds support many birds, including goldfinches, throughout winter.