Oregon Sunshine Seeds (Eriophyllum lanatum) – Native golden wildflower with silvery foliage; drought-tolerant & perfect for pollinator gardens.

Minimum: 100+ Seeds

Bring a burst of golden light to your garden with Oregon Sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum), a resilient, sun-loving wildflower native to the western United States. Known for its vivid yellow blooms, silvery-green foliage, and incredible drought tolerance, this plant lives up to its cheerful name, creating a carpet of color that brightens even the driest corners of your landscape. Ideal for pollinator gardens, rock gardens, native plantings, and erosion control, Oregon Sunshine is both beautiful and ecologically valuable.

🌼 Plant Description
Oregon Sunshine, also known as Woolly Sunflower, is a hardy perennial wildflower that thrives in poor soils and sunny, dry conditions. Its low-growing, mounded form, typically 6 to 12 inches tall, is covered in soft, silvery hairs that give the foliage a stunning shimmer in sunlight. In late spring and summer, plants erupt with bright golden-yellow daisy-like flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and native pollinators in abundance.

Each bloom measures about 1–2 inches across, forming dense clusters that make excellent ground cover or accent plantings. The silver-gray foliage remains attractive year-round in mild climates, offering texture and contrast even when not in bloom. This striking combination of color, resilience, and ecological benefit makes Oregon Sunshine a top choice for water-wise gardeners.

☀️ Growing Conditions & Environment
Oregon Sunshine is native to dry slopes, meadows, and open forests from California to British Columbia, and it naturally thrives in full sun and well-drained soils. It is remarkably drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal supplemental watering even in arid conditions.

• Light: Full sun is essential for strong blooms and compact growth.

• Soil: Prefers sandy, rocky, or loamy soils with good drainage. Avoid heavy clay or soggy conditions.

• Water: Moderate during establishment, then very low; overwatering can cause root rot.

• Temperature: Performs best in mild to warm climates; hardy in USDA Zones 5–9.

• pH Range: Tolerates slightly acidic to alkaline soils (6.0–8.0).

This species thrives in tough sites where many ornamentals struggle, ideal for xeriscaping, slopes, and dry borders. Its silver foliage and golden blooms pair beautifully with other natives such as California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), penstemon, or blue flax.

🌱 How to Grow from Seed
Growing Oregon Sunshine from seed is rewarding and straightforward, especially for native plant enthusiasts:

1. Timing: Sow seeds outdoors in fall or early spring. Fall sowing allows natural stratification over winter.

2. Soil Preparation: Choose a sunny, well-draining site. Lightly loosen the soil surface.

3. Sowing: Scatter seeds evenly and press gently into the soil. Do not cover deeply; light aids germination.

4. Watering: Keep soil lightly moist until germination (usually 14–28 days). Once seedlings establish, reduce watering.

5. Transplanting: If started indoors, transplant seedlings when they’re 2–3 inches tall, spacing 10–12 inches apart.

Plants typically bloom in their first or second year, producing abundant flowers through summer and reseeding naturally in favorable conditions.

💧 Care & Maintenance
Oregon Sunshine is one of the easiest native perennials to maintain:

• Water: Minimal once established; overwatering can shorten lifespan.

• Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage longer flowering.

• Pruning: Lightly trim in late summer to maintain shape and remove old growth.

• Fertilizer: Avoid rich soils or fertilizer; lean conditions produce stronger, more floriferous plants.

• Winter Care: In cold zones, mulch lightly or allow plants to self-seed for spring regeneration.

This plant’s adaptability and low maintenance make it ideal for eco-friendly and low-water gardens.

🦋 Pollinator & Ecological Benefits
Oregon Sunshine is a pollinator powerhouse, attracting bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects throughout its bloom period. It provides early-season nectar and pollen sources when few other wildflowers are available. Birds may also feed on the seeds after flowering, making it an excellent addition to wildlife gardens.

Its dense root system helps stabilize soil, making it valuable for erosion control on hillsides and slopes. By planting Oregon Sunshine, you’re supporting native ecosystems and encouraging biodiversity in your garden.

🌿 Garden & Design Uses

• Pollinator Gardens: Provides reliable nectar for bees and butterflies.

• Rock Gardens & Slopes: Thrives in dry, rocky, or sandy conditions.

• Ground Cover: Forms attractive silvery mats of foliage.

• Containers: Adds texture and color to drought-tolerant planters.

• Wildflower Meadows: Blends beautifully with other native perennials.

• Reclamation & Restoration: Ideal for naturalizing disturbed or dry areas.

🌼 Cultural & Historical Notes
Oregon Sunshine has deep roots in western ecology and indigenous culture. Native American tribes traditionally used parts of the plant for medicinal and ceremonial purposes. The plant’s natural range and adaptability have made it a key species in restoration and native habitat projects, symbolizing resilience and harmony with nature.

🌍 Plant Details
Scientific Name: Eriophyllum lanatum
Common Names: Oregon Sunshine, Woolly Sunflower
Plant Type: Perennial Wildflower
Height: 6–12 inches
Spread: 12–18 inches
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, sandy, rocky, or loamy
Water: Low (drought-tolerant)
Bloom Time: Late spring through summer
Hardiness: USDA Zones 5–9
Flower Color: Bright golden yellow
Foliage: Silvery-gray, woolly texture
Uses: Pollinator gardens, rock gardens, ground cover, erosion control, native plantings

✨ Why You’ll Love It
Few plants capture the wild beauty of the West quite like Oregon Sunshine. Its glowing golden flowers, shimmering silver leaves, and easygoing nature make it a must-have for sustainable gardens. Whether you’re designing a native meadow, brightening a dry slope, or creating a bee-friendly oasis, Oregon Sunshine delivers vibrancy, resilience, and ecological value all in one. 🌼🐝🌿