It is native to the coastal regions of the US state of Texas, and naturalized in other places (Florida, North Carolina, Argentina, Africa, Australia, etc.).

[1][2] Helianthus argophyllus is an annual herb sometimes as much as 300 cm (10 feet) tall.

Leaves and stems appear silvery because of a coating of many hairs along the surface.

One plant can produce 1-5 flower heads, each 15–20 ray florets surrounding 150 or more disc florets.

The plant grows in sandy areas near the seacoast.