Helianthus mollis, commonly known as the ashy sunflower, is a striking wildflower native to the central and southeastern United States. Characterized by its vibrant yellow blossoms with dark centers and gray-green foliage, it adds a splash of color to prairies, roadsides, and open woodlands. Despite its name, the ashy sunflower exudes warmth and vitality, particularly in late summer and early fall when it blooms profusely. This species is admired for its resilience, often thriving in dry, sandy, or rocky soils, and tolerating a range of environmental conditions. The ashy sunflower attracts a plethora of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and birds, with its abundant nectar and seeds. Its robust nature and ecological importance make Helianthus mollis a beloved and valuable component of native landscapes, contributing to biodiversity and ecosystem health.

False Sunflower is a perennial forb native to the eastern half of the United States and Canada. Also known as Oxeye Sunflower, this aggressive wildflower inhabits upland prairies and open grasslands.

Prefers full sun to part shade

Mature heights of 4-5 feet

Adapts well to mesic to dry soils

Commonly found growing with native warm season grass species

Bright yellow flowers atop this plant from July-August

Spreading via seed, it is not highly aggressive

Makes a great addition to butterfly or native gardens

Deer resistant species

Baptisia australis, commonly known as blue false indigo, is a striking perennial wildflower native to the prairies and woodlands of North America. Its name derives from its blue, pea-like flowers and its historical use as a substitute for true indigo dye. The plant typically grows to a height of 3 to 4 feet and features attractive gray-green foliage. Blue false indigo blooms in late spring to early summer, producing tall spikes adorned with numerous indigo-blue flowers that are a magnet for pollinators like bees and butterflies. After flowering, the plant develops intriguing black seed pods that persist into the fall, adding visual interest to the landscape. Aside from its ornamental value, Baptisia australis is valued for its role in native plant landscaping and restoration projects due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for other plant species. It’s a low-maintenance plant, tolerant of drought and poor soil conditions once established.

California bush sunflower, also known as California brittlebush, is a perennial shrub native to southern California and Baja California, where it is a member of the coastal sage plant community at the shoreline. It is mostly found on inland foothills in the Transverse and Peninsular Ranges. It is drought tolerant, but not frost tolerant, and needs access to full sun. California bush sunflower is bushy and sprawling with thin branches covered in green leaves and solitary daisy-like flowers. It is fast-growing and easy to establish, providing abundant yellow blossoms in the spring, and readily reseeding and reaching across your landscape.

Host plant: fatal metalmark, dwarf tawny wave, white-lined sphinx, and the orange tortrix moth

Produced by S&S Seeds