Downy Sunflower (Helianthus mollis)
Helianthus mollis, commonly known as Downy Sunflower, is a native perennial wildflower found in dry prairies, glades, savannas, and open woodlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained, sandy or rocky soils and full sun, making it ideal for drought-tolerant gardens, prairie restorations, and naturalized plantings.
This upright, clump-forming plant typically grows 2 to 4 feet tall and is easily recognized by its soft, gray-green foliage and stems—both densely covered with fine hairs, giving it a “downy” texture. From late summer to early fall, it produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with golden centers, which are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Helianthus mollis is a tough, visually appealing species that offers strong ecological value. It provides nectar and pollen for pollinators and seeds for birds in the fall. Its tidy, non-aggressive growth habit makes it easier to manage than some other native sunflowers, and it pairs well with Little Bluestem, Purple Prairie Clover, and Hoary Vervain in dry, sunny plantings.
Helianthus mollis, commonly known as Downy Sunflower, is a native perennial wildflower found in dry prairies, glades, savannas, and open woodlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained, sandy or rocky soils and full sun, making it ideal for drought-tolerant gardens, prairie restorations, and naturalized plantings.
This upright, clump-forming plant typically grows 2 to 4 feet tall and is easily recognized by its soft, gray-green foliage and stems—both densely covered with fine hairs, giving it a “downy” texture. From late summer to early fall, it produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with golden centers, which are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Helianthus mollis is a tough, visually appealing species that offers strong ecological value. It provides nectar and pollen for pollinators and seeds for birds in the fall. Its tidy, non-aggressive growth habit makes it easier to manage than some other native sunflowers, and it pairs well with Little Bluestem, Purple Prairie Clover, and Hoary Vervain in dry, sunny plantings.
Helianthus mollis, commonly known as Downy Sunflower, is a native perennial wildflower found in dry prairies, glades, savannas, and open woodlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained, sandy or rocky soils and full sun, making it ideal for drought-tolerant gardens, prairie restorations, and naturalized plantings.
This upright, clump-forming plant typically grows 2 to 4 feet tall and is easily recognized by its soft, gray-green foliage and stems—both densely covered with fine hairs, giving it a “downy” texture. From late summer to early fall, it produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with golden centers, which are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Helianthus mollis is a tough, visually appealing species that offers strong ecological value. It provides nectar and pollen for pollinators and seeds for birds in the fall. Its tidy, non-aggressive growth habit makes it easier to manage than some other native sunflowers, and it pairs well with Little Bluestem, Purple Prairie Clover, and Hoary Vervain in dry, sunny plantings.
Bloom: late summer to early fall
Habitats: abandoned fields; areas along roadsides and railroads; barrens with sparse vegetation; clay prairies; mesic to dry black soil prairies; rocky glades; sand prairies; thickets
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: mesic to dry
Plant type (height): forb (2 to 4 feet)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: clay; rocky material; sand (prefers poor soil)