1. * Hairy Desert Sunflower – Geraea canescens
(jer-EE-uh can-ESS-sens)
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Native to: Sonoran and Mojave deserts of California to southwestern Utah, Arizona & NW Mexico.;
sandy, barren desert flats and roadsides below 3,000 feet.
annual wildflower
mature height: 1-3 ft.
mature width: 1-2 ft.
Slender, upright annual with sparse, gray-green foliage. Bristly or softly hairy; has taproot.
Growth characteristics:
Usually blooms in spring (sometime between Feb & May, depending on rains); may
also bloom in fall (Oct-Nov). Flowers are bright yellow 2-inch sunflower heads with golden disk
flowers. Reminiscent of a smaller version of annual sunflower (Helianthus annuus) or Hairy
Gumplant (Grindelia hirsutula). Lovely and showy. Seeds are little bristly sunflower seeds.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Usually used in mixed annual wildflower beds. Size makes it appropriate for
mid-bed. Often used in desert gardens, rock gardens but also appropriate for hard-to-water places
(along driveway, etc.). Fine in containers. An excellent choice for wildlife. Likes heat!!
Sensible substitute for: Non-native sunflowers.
Excellent habitat plant. Flowers attract native pollinators.
feeding birds like doves, quail, finches and sparrows.
Attracts:
Seeds eaten by ground-
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun.
Sandy best; any well-drained ok. Fine with higher pH.
Needs good winter/spring water; no water (Zone 1 or 1-2) after blooming ceases.
None needed.
Inorganic (rock/gravel) mulch only.
Management:
Pretty easy to grow. Seed directly with the first winter rains. Will reseed if happy.
from seed: may improve germination by storing in warm place 1 week prior to
Barely cover seeds.
Propagation:
planting.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 13, 16
* CA native plant but not native to Western L.A. Co.
2/16/09
© Project SOUND