Botanic Garden >> Gardening > >> Question and Answer >> Plant Species >> Annuals

Mystery Fuzzy-Leaved Plants: Likely Self-Seeded Strawflowers

Gardener planted rudbeckia, strawflower, and others last year. This spring, foot-tall plants with fuzzy leaves/stems, alternate crenellated leaves appeared in same spot. Wondered if volunteers or weeds.

Identification

Description matches strawflowers—prolific self-seeders. Fuzzy stems, alternate leaves, crenellated edges are characteristic.

Advice

Let them grow until bloom confirms ID.
If not a desired plant, pull immediately before seeding.
Otherwise, enjoy free strawflowers!

Strawflowers dry beautifully for arrangements. A welcome volunteer.

Annuals: Winter vs. Spring Repotting: Timing, Division Risks, and Soil Refresh Strategies; How to Prune Jasmine for Maximum Blooms; Overwintering Dracaena Spikes Indoors; Starting a Perennial Plant Business from Your Meadow; Why Your Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan) Stopped Blooming; Hydrangea Not Blooming for Two Years: Pruning Timing Critical; Spider Lily (Lycoris radiata): The “Naked Lady” Bulb That Blooms Without Leaves; Gloriosa Lily (Climbing Lily) in Miami Garden; Designing a Flower Garden: Types, Furniture, Plant Selection, and Maintenance Basics; Butterfly Weed (Asclepias): A Monarch Magnet for Sunny Gardens

Garden Articles

Purple Coneflower Collapse: Wet Soil and Fungal Rot

Crop Rotation vs. Nature: Why Farmers Rotate, Wild Plants Don't

Rescuing Declining Orchids: Root Rot from Old Potting Mix

Why Your New Climbing Rose Isn't Blooming Yet: Patience and Proper Care

Rose Won't Bloom After Three Years: Misidentified Climber?

Solving Impatiens Failure Under Walnut Trees: Mulch Toxicity and Container Solutions

Year-Round Blooming Plants for Los Angeles (Zone 10)

Plants

Identifying a Giant Corn-Like Plant in a Florida Backyard

Backyard Plant Identifications: Forget-Me-Not and Mexican Orange Blossom

Lantana Camara 'Luscious Citrus Blend': A Colorful Garden Favorite

Timing Crabgrass Control After Spring Seeding

Controlling Wild Strawberries in a Fescue Lawn

Keeping a Child's Marigold Alive Indoors

Pumpkin Blight: Clean Up and Rotate for Next Year