Narrow-leaf Silkgrass Pityopsis graminifolia
- Phonetic Spelling
- pit-ee-OP-sis gram-in-ee-FOH-lee-uh
- Description
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A native, evergreen wildflower in the Asteraceae family. This is a tough, vigorous, evergreen ground cover that does poorly only if soils are too rich and damp. Will grow in both fine and medium-textured soils, however, it does not grow in a course (clay) soil. Its silvery-green, grass-like leaves and tendency to colonize make it useful as a foreground plant and a ground cover. Its bright, daisy-like flowers are most abundant in full sun. For a neat appearance, cut back just before new leaves emerge, in February.
This plant does not like soil that is too damp and rich. Prefers dry open sandy sites.
Its seeds are 1/16" long, turn from tan to dark brown when mature and easily gathered. The windblown seed will spread this plant.
Nectar in the flowers attracts butterflies and bees. Members of the genus Pityopsis support the specialized bee Perdita (Hexaperdita) boltoniae.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Pityopsis
- Species:
- graminifolia
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- North America
- Fire Risk Rating:
- low flammability
- Wildlife Value:
- Pollinator
- Play Value:
- Wildlife Food Source
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ground Cover
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Native Plant
- Wildflower
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Erect
- Horizontal
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Maintenance:
- High
- Texture:
- Fine
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Sand
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Star
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- 2 in. clusters of bright-yellow, daisy-like flowers on 2 1/2 ft. stems. Blooms better the more sun it receives.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Leaf Shape:
- Linear
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Silvery, grass-like leaves, to 1 ft. long.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- 2 1/2' stems
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Coastal
- Container
- Lawn
- Meadow
- Naturalized Area
- Patio
- Walkways
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Native Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Foundation Planting
- Mass Planting
- Small groups
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Specialized Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Dry Soil
