When does Eriophyllum lanatum bloom?

Common woolly sunflower typically flowers from May through August, producing bright yellow daisy-like blooms on gray-green woolly foliage.

How much water does woolly sunflower need?

It prefers low water once established and does best in well-drained soil that dries out between waterings.

What pollinators visit Eriophyllum lanatum?

Bees, butterflies, and beetles regularly visit the flowers for nectar and pollen through the summer bloom period.

What kind of light does this plant need?

It grows best in full sun and can also handle a bit of light afternoon shade, especially in hotter inland areas.

What kind of habitat suits woolly sunflower?

It is commonly found on dry, rocky slopes, open meadows, and disturbed ground at low to mid elevations.

Is Common Woolly Sunflower HOA-friendly?

Common Woolly Sunflower takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Common Woolly Sunflower

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Eriophyllum lanatum

Last reviewed: September 2026

Eriophyllum lanatum, or common woolly sunflower, produces yellow blooms from May through August and thrives in full sun with low water once established, often on dry slopes and open meadows in the western United States.

Toxicity unknown

Common Woolly Sunflower (Eriophyllum lanatum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

8"–24" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, ID, MT, NV and 5 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Sonoran Basin and Range

Common woolly sunflower is a compact perennial with silvery-gray foliage and bright yellow daisy-like flowers that bloom from May through August. This drought-tolerant native forms neat mounds and requires minimal care once established. The woolly leaves provide interesting texture and color contrast in garden beds.

Growing Common Woolly Sunflower

Grow Common Woolly Sunflower in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 8 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Common Woolly Sunflower takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots

Wildlife value

Attracts diverse pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and beetles throughout its long blooming season. The seeds provide food for birds in late summer and fall.

Common questions

When does Eriophyllum lanatum bloom?: Common woolly sunflower typically flowers from May through August, producing bright yellow daisy-like blooms on gray-green woolly foliage.
How much water does woolly sunflower need?: It prefers low water once established and does best in well-drained soil that dries out between waterings.
What pollinators visit Eriophyllum lanatum?: Bees, butterflies, and beetles regularly visit the flowers for nectar and pollen through the summer bloom period.
What kind of light does this plant need?: It grows best in full sun and can also handle a bit of light afternoon shade, especially in hotter inland areas.
What kind of habitat suits woolly sunflower?: It is commonly found on dry, rocky slopes, open meadows, and disturbed ground at low to mid elevations.
Is Common Woolly Sunflower HOA-friendly?: Common Woolly Sunflower takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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