Oregon Sunshine

An indispensable and iconic native of our region (and a large swath of the West), Eriophyllum lanatum, also known as Common Woolly Sunflower, is true to its name in all ways.  Found in a wide range of conditions from sunny woodland edge to rocky outcropping, this tough and cheerful wildflower can be as variable as its habitat.  Foliage color can range from bright sage green to frosted silver, a look achieved with fine wooly hairs that clothe each leaf and stem surface, both reflecting sunlight and increasing surface area for moisture collection and reduced evaporation- adaptations developed to survive hot and dry conditions. Burgundy to plum accents can appear in the colder months on remaining foliage.  Leaf size and shape can be narrow to fat and full, shallow to deeply lobed, all creating a rich texture.

A host to at least 7 species of butterfly and moth, Oregon Sunshine tends to be more openly sparse and airy in the wild, often going partially summer dormant. In cultivation however, it is typically more dense and broad, growing anywhere from 12-18″ tall and easily 24-36″ wide and outcompeting weeds well.   Bringing the sunshine even on cloudy days, saturated gold daisies appear throughout late spring and into summer, providing a steady pollen and nectar source for butterflies, bees and other pollinating insects. Although Eriophyllum already has a stellar bloom time, it can be further enhanced with dead-heading. Keep summer water to a minimum, especially in clay, as this drought lover prefers lean, sharply draining soil.  And don’t bother with fertilizer – Oregon Sunshine thrives with a ‘less is more’ approach.  Tough love will also discourage deer from deciding it is palatable when they are desperate.   A hearty chop in late winter will help thwart ranginess and encourage vigorous new growth and flowering.

‘Siskiyou’ is a popular selection we often grow, originating at our valleys very own Siskiyou Rare Pant Nursery.  This robust variety brings consistency in form and foliage, with more lush, wooly silver leaves densely packed into a broad mat around 12″ tall and 24-36″ wide, and keeping a better winter presence as well.  Slightly larger than average flowers bloom with abandon over many weeks.