Open forest and woodland, usually on sand or sandstone on the coast and mountains of New South Wales and southern Queensland. The leaves are deeply lobed, grey and velvety in nature, giving rise to the common name. The overall appearance of each head of flowers is similar to a daisy. The seeds are dispersed by breezes. A.helianthi is relatively easy to cultivate in sandy soils or in raised beds.
Good drainage is essential.
Propagation from cuttings is reasonably successful using 75 - 100 mm of stem. Late summer is a good time to take cuttings which should not be put under mist. Propagation from seed is unreliable. You may have reached this description from one of several different sources.