Helianthus-Mollis 1C

Ashy sunflower is a colony-forming species that spreads both by seed and rhizome. Under ideal conditions, it is a very aggressive plant. Nevertheless, it is beneficial to a wide variety of insects and wildlife. The foliage is a food source for checkerspot butterflies, and the seeds are a favorite of goldfinches and other birds. Because of its aggressive nature, ashy sunflower could be part of the solution to some erosion problems.