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Narrow-leaf Silkgrass Pityopsis graminifolia

Phonetic Spelling
pit-ee-OP-sis gram-in-ee-FOH-lee-uh
Description

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:
Tags:
#drought tolerant#nectar plant#specialized bees#NC native#native garden#groundcover#pollinator plant#NC Native Pollinator Plant#sandy soils tolerant#dry soils tolerant#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#perennial#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#drought tolerant#nectar plant#specialized bees#NC native#native garden#groundcover#pollinator plant#NC Native Pollinator Plant#sandy soils tolerant#dry soils tolerant#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#perennial#wildlife friendly
  • 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
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ground Cover
    Herb
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Native Plant
    Wildflower
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Erect
    Horizontal
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    High
    Texture:
    Fine
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    2 1/2' stems
  • 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