Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Eriophyllum lanatum
Common Woolly Sunflower
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Height
- 8 to 20 inches
- Width
- Up to 24 inches
- Flower color
- Bright yellow, daisy-like flowers
- Foliage color
- Silvery-gray, woolly-textured leaves
- Bloom time
- Late spring to summer
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low; drought-tolerant once established
- Maintenance
- Low; trim spent flowers to encourage further blooming
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators; seeds provide food for birds
About this plant
Eriophyllum lanatum is a vibrant perennial wildflower that brightens landscapes with its golden-yellow, daisy-like blooms. Flowering from late spring through mid-summer, its blossoms are composed of a central cluster of disc florets surrounded by radiant ray petals. The blooms sit atop stems adorned with silvery-green, finely divided, woolly leaves, creating a striking contrast.
Native to western North America, Eriophyllum lanatum thrives in diverse habitats, from coastal bluffs to mountainous regions. Its drought tolerance and ability to adapt to challenging soils make it a popular choice for naturalistic gardens and wildflower meadows. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, it provides valuable forage for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Bird Gardens · Waterwise Gardens
Companion plants
Catmint · Coreopsis · Bearded irises · Bee balm · Yarrow · Ornamental grasses
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. In full sun it holds its shape best, and grouping several together keeps the color strong enough to be seen from across the garden.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
