Helichrysums (also known as ‘everlastings’) are among several cheerful yellow flowers that show up against the wild grasses of the veld. Their name is derived from the Greek helios (sun), and chrysos (gold).The stems of this one – I think it is a Helichrysum foetidum – can grow up to a metre tall. Given that it gives off a strong aromatic smell, it is not surprising that one of its common names is Stinking Yellow Everlasting – not at all a pretty name.
The lance-shaped leaves are hairy above and woolly below – see the pale upturned leaves in these photographs. The leaves are smaller near the top of the stem than they are below.
These hardy plants do well in the Albany Thicket and as they flower from about October to May, we will soon be seeing them nodding their bright yellow heads in the veld again.
Something Over Tea 
Cute wildflowers. I don’t think I’ve seen them here in the Freestate. Will look it for them this summer.
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They are very pretty – and hardy – flowers. I don’t think they occur in the Free State though – you are bound to get other varieties growing there
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I wrote a blog entry “A Rose by Any Other Name” a while back, where I spoke about the wildflowers we have around here. But I have no idea what most of them are called! 🤣
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Unfortunately I couldn’t find that entry of yours. I would have liked to see some of your local wild flowers.
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Don’t know if this will work…
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They are attractive pushing up through the grasses. Some of these common names are a bit harsh though 😏
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I think so too!
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Al die veld is vrolik… dit laar my aan daai liedjie dink, Anne.
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Una, dankie hiervoor! Ek het nou net daarna geluister – dit is opwekkend en net reg vir die lente wat oppad is.
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I like Helichrysum dried in winter arrangements, but not sure if this pretty one would lose its stink… do you know?
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I have never thought to pick it – or dry it – but, given its Latin name, I imagine it wouldn’t lose its very strong, herby smell.
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When walking in the Drakensberg, especially, I am always impressed by the wide variety and beauty of the hardy everlastings growing there. I don’t recall their aroma though – I think that’s ample reason to start planning a trip to “The ‘Berg” again!
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My interest in the ‘Berg flowers began when I hiked there regularly as a student. As you say, a wonderful variety of helichrysums grow there in a range of colours. Most of them don’t seem to have a particular aroma and many nestle low down in the grass, perch atop rocks or hug shallow ground. There are beautiful walks around Royal Natal National Park that are ideal for ‘flower watching’ and finding butterflies in the right season.
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So mooi
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Ek sien uit na die lente en hoop dat ons hierdie jaar meer wilde blomme sal sien.
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Ekke ook. Kan jy glo ons is amper jaar terug in RSA?
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Die tyd het gou verby gegaan omdat julle so baie dinge aangepak het. Ek hoop julle voel nou tuis in julle nuwe huis.
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Dankie, Anne, ons voel al tuis, maar maak steeds mooi.
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It is a good thing that you have these
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Any blooms that can survive the drought are nature’s miracles!
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Indeed
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Bright and jaunty but it sounds as though they are best admired from a distance.
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Just don’t crush the leaves.
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Striking flowers.
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They stand out clearly against the brown grass.
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You have plenty of that about. 🙂
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What a spectacular flower especially against all of the brown grass.
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These are among many yellow flowers that grow wild around here. Yellow is a fairly common colour.
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