Geraea canescens - Hairy Desert Sunflower

Geraea canescens, the Hairy Desert Sunflower, or sometimes sold as simply the Desert Sunflower can be a show stopper all by itself, check the 2nd photo. These flowers can fill an entire field and so much more. Geraea canescens grows to about 2.5 feet tall and produces these spectacular 1.5-2" yellow sunflowers, loads of them. The Hairy Desert Sunflower grows in disturbed areas, sandy soils, washes and flood plains. There is an understory of many other flowers, but when you look out into the distance all you see is the Hairy Desert Sunflower. Geraea canescens is a Spring bloomer. Scatter wildflower seeds with the first significant Fall rain. Geraea canescens is a fine addition to the Desert Butterfly Garden attracting the Mormon Metalmark, Great Purple Hairstreak, Painted Lady Butterfly, Northern White Skipper, and White Checkered Skipper.