This annual sunflower is native to Texas where it grows in sandy areas near the seacoast. It is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, yarrow, and lettuce. The multi-branched plants can grow up to 10′ tall but are usually 4-6′, and have silvery hairy stems and leaves. The felted leaves are alternate and ovate to heart-shaped. From mid summer to frost, each plant produces 1-5 terminal flowerheads that are 4-5″ wide and consist of 15-20 yellow ray florets surrounding a center of 150 or more brown disc florets . The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies and the seed heads that follow are attractive to birds especially goldfinches. With its long bloom time and outstanding foliage, silverleaf sunflower is a good choice for butterfly, wildlife, native plant, wildflower, meadow, prairie, coastal, and cottage gardens. The genus name, Helianthus, comes from the Greek words helios, meaning sun, and anthos meaning flower and may refer to the resemblance of the flowerhead to the sun. The specific epithet, argophyllus, may be derived from the Latin word argentum, meaning silver, and the Greek word phyllon meaning leaf and refers to the leaves.
Type: Annual
Bloom: Flowerheads 4-5″ wide with yellow ray florets surrounding a center of brown disc florets from mid summer to frost
Size: 4-10′ H x 1-2′ W
Light: Full sun
Soil: Average, medium moist to dry, well-drained; drought tolerant once established
Hardiness: Not relevant
Care: May need staking
Pests and Diseases: Downy mildew
Propagation: Seed
Companion Plants: Lantana, asters, goldenrod
Outstanding Selection: ‘Gold and Silver’
Photo Credit: Wikipedia