Achyrachaena mollis

Also Known As

Blow Wives

Plant type

annual / biennial

size

H: 12"-14"
W: 6"-10"

planting zones

1-12

More Options

Achyrachaena mollis plant details

Achyrachaena mollis is a broadleaf deciduous annual / biennial with green foliage. In summer white flowers emerge. Attracts bees and beneficial insects making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Achyrachaena mollis

Plant type: annual / biennial
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 6 IN - 10 IN - wide, 12 IN - 14 IN - tall
Flowers: white blooms in summer
Uses: easy-to-grow, self-sowing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Achyrachaena mollis

USDA Zones: 1 - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

An easy to grow drought tolerant CA native annual known for a spherical cluster of seeds with bright, almost shiny, white scales that look like long flower petals. The resulting ‘flowers’ are really eye-catching among grasses or in a mid to late season wildflower mixture, and it re-sows well, but not in a troublesome way. It eventually shatters and can be used for the ancient game of blowing the seeds off to divine your luck finding a sweetheart. The entire plant is delicate and has soft hairs (mollis meaning soft). The ‘real’ flower is also attractive to a detail person. Appearing on the top of a 1’ stem, it has a white center and 5 outer ray flowers with small but interesting yellow to maroon colored petals. Best in full sun and grows well on clay, too. Common in low-elevation hills, higher mountains, valleys, and grasslands across California.