Wildflower Profile: Narrowleaf Silkgrass

Pityopsis graminifolia

By Steven W. Woodmansee, FNPS President

Figure 1. Capitulum and infructescenses.
Photo credit: Joseph Allan Tauscher

Narrowleaf silkgrass is a showy perennial wildflower, a native throughout all of Florida, and a must for any wildflower connoisseur. It is found in mesic (intermediate between wet and dry) to xeric (dry) pineland and prairie habitats. As a result, it tolerates drought fairly well once established. It is a member of the Sunflower Family (Asteraceae), and is a great attractor for pollinators. Its stalkless ray and disc flowers are clustered tightly together to form a capitulum, which is commonly referred to as a "head" (Fig. 1). Upon maturity, plants are generally less than 18 inches in height, and produce 20-30 blooming heads on several branches.

Figure 2. Hairy, grass-like leaves

Narrowleaf silkgrass is herbaceous (non-woody), and has attractive, often "grass-like" leaves , which emerge in the spring. Its silvery-green appearance is attributable to the whitish, silky hair covers the plant's stems and leaves (Fig. 2). Gorgeous yellow flower heads, ranging from 1-2 cm in diameter, begin opening mid to late fall and generally last 3-4 weeks. Seeds possess fluffy awns (hairs) which are wind-dispersed, similar to dandelions (Fig. 1). When flowering has finished, plants may appear to have died; in actuality, they are beginning their winter dormancy, and will reemerge in the spring. Plants do best in full sun, and may be utilized in butterfly (pollinator) gardens, pineland habitats, or showy wildflower displays. As with most wildflowers, if you hope to encourage seed germination and recruitment of this lovely species, consider forgoing the use of mulch when planting.


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