Ashy Sunflower is a rhizomatous perennial sunflower that typically grows to 2-4’ tall. It is native to dry prairies, dry open woods, rocky glades, fields, thickets, roadsides, and railroad right-of-ways. Conspicuously pubescent gray-green leaves (to 6” long) and stems project a grayish ash-like foliage color, thus giving rise to the common name of ashy sunflower. Stems are clad with coarse, broad oval leaves (to 6” long) with rounded bases. Flowers develop singly from the upper stems. Flowers bloom in mid-season (July-September). Plants spread into broad clumps that are often difficult to properly maintain in a formal border.