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Description
Eriophyllum Lanosum, commonly known as woolly sunflower, is a species of flowering plant in the sunflower family. It is native to California and can be found in various regions, including the Sierra Nevada, the Transverse Ranges, and the Peninsular Ranges. This plant is a perennial shrub that typically grows up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. It has a woody stem, gray-green leaves, and yellow flowers that bloom in the summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Eriophyllum |
Appearance
Woolly sunflower has gray-green leaves that are covered in woolly hairs, giving them a fuzzy appearance. The leaves are deeply lobed and can grow up to 2 inches long. The flowers are bright yellow and resemble small sunflowers, with a diameter of about 1 inch. They bloom from June to August and are a popular attraction for bees and butterflies. The plant typically grows into a rounded shape, with a height of 1-3 feet and a spread of 2-4 feet.
Care Guide
Woolly sunflower is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to keep it healthy:- Water: This plant is drought-tolerant and can survive on low water levels. However, it still needs occasional watering during the hot, dry months.- Fertilization: Woolly sunflower does not require regular fertilization. You can add a slow-release fertilizer once a year in the spring to help it grow.- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soil.- Sunlight: Woolly sunflower requires full sun to thrive. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.- Hardiness Zones: This plant can survive in USDA hardiness zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Woolly sunflower is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can occasionally be affected by spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew. To prevent these problems, you can spray the plant with water regularly and keep it well-ventilated. If pests or diseases occur, you can treat them with an insecticide or fungicide.
Habitat
Woolly sunflower is native to California and can be found in various habitats, including chaparral, sagebrush, and woodland. It prefers sunny, dry areas and can grow in rocky, sandy, or clay soil. This plant is often used in landscaping as a ground cover or border plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Is woolly sunflower toxic to pets?
A: No, woolly sunflower is not toxic to pets.
Q: Can woolly sunflower grow in containers?
A: Yes, woolly sunflower can grow in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate its root system.
Q: How often should I prune my woolly sunflower?
A: Woolly sunflower does not require regular pruning. You can trim it back in the winter to maintain its shape.
Q: Can woolly sunflower survive in cold temperatures?
A: Woolly sunflower is hardy to USDA hardiness zones 7-10 and can survive in temperatures as low as 10°F.
Related Plants
– Eriophyllum confertiflorum (golden yarrow)- Eriophyllum lanatum (Oregon sunshine)- Eriophyllum stachaedifolium (Lizard tail)
References
– “Eriophyllum lanosum.” Calflora. Retrieved from https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Eriophyllum+lanosum- “Eriophyllum lanosum.” Las Pilitas Nursery. Retrieved from https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/erriophyllum-lanosum- “Woolly Sunflower.” San Marcos Growers. Retrieved from https://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=3149
