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In full bloom.

Before full bloom.

Before full bloom.

Leaves are very large, blue-gray.

Ray florets are out; disc flowers open later.

Foliage retains its shape and color after bloom.

Flower heads still hold interest after petal fall.

Asteraceae

A coarse-textured perennial with unusual basal blue-gray paddle-shaped leaves that are 12 to 24 inches long, 8 to 10 inches across, and appear sessile. It flowers profusely with blooms slightly more than three inches wide with drooping yellow ray flowers attached to a tall black cone, but flowers are dwarfed by the foliage.

Plant Type: perennial

Plant Form or Habit: upright/vertical

Plant Use: In the back of beds and borders; as a specimen plant or planted in groups.

Propagation:

division
stem cuttings

Flower Color:

yellow

Bloom Period:

mid-summer
late summer

Width: Minimum: 36 inches     Maximum: 72 inches

Foliage Texture: coarse

USDA Hardiness Zone: 5

Water Requirements: average

Additional Comments: Prefers moist, well-drained soil.