SCIENTIFIC NAME: Helianthus mollis
COMMON NAMES: Ashy Sunflower, Downy Sunflower
BLOOM TIMES: Aug, Sept
PLANT PROFILE:
- Plants can grow 2 to 4 ft. tall.
- Plant grows in colonies.
- Stem & leaves have dense gray hairs that can be rubbed off I give plant a "downy" feel.
- Called “ashy” because gray hair covered leaves are similar in color to ash-covered leaves after a fire.
- Flower heads grow 2 1/2 to 4 in. across on long stalks.
- Flower heads follow the path of the sun during the day from morning to night.
- 15 to 30 yellow petal flowers per plant.
- Preferred habitat is prairie.Native Americans used a tea from plant as a fever reducer, stems to treat malaria, seeds were cracked & eaten as snacks, & ground seed was made into flour for breads, cakes, mush or mixed with beans, squash, & corn.
- Native Americans made purple dye from plant for textile, body paints, & other decorations.
- Oil from seed was used for bread & on the skin and hair.
- Plant parts used medicinally for snake bites & other body ointments.
INSECT/ANIMAL INTERACTIONS:
- Flowers provide nectar for bees and butterflies.
- Seeds are important food source for birds and mammals.