Family: Asteraceae
Author: Buc’hoz
Bibliography: Herb. Color. Amérique: t. 61 (1783)
Year: 1783
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Helianthus
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: SE. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.
Description
The Ashy Sunflower, scientifically known as Helianthus mollis, is a captivating perennial plant that flourishes predominantly in southeastern Canada and extends its reach into the central and eastern regions of the United States. Belonging to the Asteraceae family, this sunflower species is distinguished by its unique ash-colored foliage and vibrant yellow blooms, creating a striking contrast that makes it easily recognizable.
Introduced to the botanical world in 1783, with its formal description chronicled in “Herb. Color. Amérique: t. 61” by Buc’hoz, the Ashy Sunflower has fascinated plant enthusiasts and botanists alike. Its lance-shaped leaves covered in fine, soft hairs contribute to the plant’s “mollis” nomenclature, derived from the Latin word for “soft.” These silvery-green leaves not only add a distinctive texture and color to the plant but also lend a certain resilience by reducing water loss through transpiration, making it well-suited to diverse environments.
In the blooming season, the Helianthus mollis produces striking yellow flowers, each approximately 2-4 inches in diameter. These sun-loving plants typically thrive in prairies, open woodlands, and along roadsides, preferring full sun and moderately dry to well-drained soils. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees, contributing to the biodiversity and health of the ecosystem in which they reside.
The Ashy Sunflower’s robust nature and its capability to adapt to different soil types make it an excellent choice for naturalistic gardens and restoration projects aimed at promoting native flora. Its ability to grow up to 3-5 feet in height allows it to stand out as an ornamental plant, adding vertical interest and a splash of color to the garden landscape.
Beyond its ornamental value, the Ashy Sunflower holds historical and ecological significance. Its roots and seeds have been utilized in traditional practices by indigenous communities for various purposes, including food and medicine. Today, its ecological role is emphasized, as planting native species like the Helianthus mollis supports local wildlife and contributes to sustainable gardening practices.
In summary, Helianthus mollis, or the Ashy Sunflower, is a plant of remarkable beauty and ecological importance. With a rich history dating back to the late 18th century, this distinctive sunflower continues to charm with its ashen leaves and sunny yellow flowers, making it a valuable addition to gardens and natural habitats alike.
Common Names
Eng: ashy sunflower, soft sunflower
Swe: dunsolros
Fra: hélianthe soyeux
En: Ashy sunflower, Soft sunflower, Sunflower
Ar: دوار الشمس اللين
Fi: Nukka-auringonkukka
Fr: Hélianthe soyeux
Sv: Dunsolros
Synonyms
- Helianthus mollis var. cordatus (S.Watson)
- Helianthus mollis f. flavidus (Steyerm.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- India (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 30, 2022 by tory k (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 8, 2022 by Saul Thomas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Sep 3, 2022 by Murphy Patrick (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2010 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 27, 2006 by EOL − Darel Hess (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2010 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Sep 3, 2022 by Murphy Patrick (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 22, 2019 by mc mc (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Aug 9, 2011 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2010 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 27, 2006 by EOL − Darel Hess (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 10, 2002 by EOL − Darel Hess (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 9, 2011 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2010 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7937401)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:329254-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Helianthus mollis Lam.)
