Eriophyllum lanatum
| Common woolly sunflower | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Eriophyllum |
| Species: | E. lanatum |
| Binomial name | |
| Eriophyllum lanatum (Pursh) Forbes | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Actinella lanata | |
The common woolly sunflower (Eriophyllum lanatum), also known as Oregon sunshine, is a widespread, herbaceous dicot of the sunflower family (Asteraceae).[1]
Lewis and Clark saw Eriophyllums growing above their camp on the Clearwater near present day Kamiah, Idaho. They gathered two specimens (the plant was then unknown to science) on June 6, 1806.
Range and habitat
It is native to western North America, commonly growing in many dry, open places below 10,000 ft, but it also grows on rocky slopes and bluffs. It is most common in California, but grows as far north as Vancouver, Canada.
Growth pattern and form
This perennial plant grows from 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 centimeters) in height. The woolly sunflower grows in well-branched clumps. Both stems and leaves may be covered with a woolly gray hair, but some plants lack this hair. The hairs conserve water by reflecting heat and reducing air movement across the leaf's surface. The hairs impart a dusty gray color to the plant.
Leaves and stems
The leaves are linear on the upper stems; the lower portions of the stem have slender, pinnately lobed leaves.
Inflorescense
Flowers are yellow and composite, looking much like true sunflowers, and sometimes grow to 2 inches wide. Both the ray and disk flowers are yellow, with one flower head on each flowering stalk.
If flowers from May to August.[1]
It blooms from May to August, and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
A dozen or so varieties of this plant are recognized. The name "woolly sunflower" is often used to describe any member of the genus Eriophyllum.
References
- Pink, A. (2004). Gardening for the Million. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Eriophyllum lanatum. |