Eriophyllum lanatum (Woolly Sunflower)

Plant Description: Woolly sunflower, or Oregon sunshine, is a perennial herb in the aster family. It grows extensive, large masses of golden yellow flowers contrasting with a low-growing whitish-woolly foliage. The plant’s several stems can grow up to 2 ft tall, bearing leaves up to 3 inches long. Leaves can be alternate or opposite, and also vary in shape from entire and linear to occasionally pinnately lobed. Stems put out long leafless pedicels topped with blossoms made up of 8-13 broad ray corollas. Rays are marked with distinctive veins or grooves. Disks are arranged in a raised circle in the center of the flower. 

• Height: 2 ft
• Width: 1 ft
• Sun Needs: Sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained to dry, sandy, or rocky soils. It is quite drought-tolerant once established and should not be watered often unless soil drains really well
• Bloom Time: May - July
• Portland Plant List (Backyard Habitat Certification): Yes

Landscape Use and Ecological Function: This Willamette Valley native thrives in a variety of habitats, such as sagebrush-steppe, open forests, and rocky slopes from low elevations to summits up to 13,000 feet. Its range extends from southern British Columbia to southern California, and from the west coast east to Montana, Wyoming and Utah. This plant is excellent for meadowscape environments. It attracts pollinators and beneficial insects.