Helianthus mollis.
Downy Sunflower, also known as Ashy Sunflower, is a perennial wildflower native to the eastern and central United States where it can often be found growing in sandy prairies and thickets, rocky glades, and abandoned fields.
Plant grows to around 5 feet in height and produces yellow composite flowers that bloom from August through September.
Though it prefers poor, drier soils with gravel, rock, or clay, it will easily adapt and grow taller and more vigorously in nutrient rich soils.
Downy Sunflower
Growth Chart
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9 Light Requirement: Full to partial sun Soil Type: Gravel, rock, clay Sow Depth: 1/2 inch Plant Spacing: 24 to 36 inches Germination Note: Cold stratification required Stratification Time: 30 days Bloom Time: August through September Growing Tips
Direct sow in late fall by planting the seeds 1/2 inch deep in the soil. For spring planting, mix seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 30 days (cold stratification) before direct sowing.
To start indoors, sow stratified seeds in a flat or small, individual pots, keeping the soil moist and at a temperature around 65 to 70 degrees F until germination, which should occur within 10 to 20 days.A Note on Cold Stratification
These seeds require cold, moist stratification. To naturally stratify the seeds, plant outdoors late fall on a weed-free site and allow seeds to overwinter.
To artificially stratify the seeds, place the seeds and a moist medium (such as a damp paper towel, coffee filter, sand, or vermiculite) in a labeled, sealed plastic bag and store in a refrigerator (33-40°F) for the amount of time noted on the growth chart before sowing.