About Helianthus mollis Lam.
Helianthus mollis Lam. is a species of sunflower, commonly known as ashy sunflower or downy sunflower. It is widespread across much of the United States and Canada, with its core range covering the Great Lakes region, extending from Ontario south to Texas and Alabama. It is classified as locally endangered within the state of Ohio. Additional populations grow along the Atlantic Coast of the United States from Maine to Georgia, but these are thought to be introduced. This species grows in a variety of habitats including prairies, roadsides, dry open woods, rocky glades, fields, and thickets. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that can reach up to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) tall, and spreads via underground rhizomes. Most of its leaves grow along the stem, rather than being clustered near the base; each leaf is egg-shaped with toothed edges. A single plant produces between 1 and 15 flower heads, which contain 17 to 22 yellow ray florets surrounding 75 or more yellow disc florets. Its flowering period runs from July to September. The Latin specific epithet mollis means soft, and refers to the plant's downy hairs.
