Common name:
Common sunflower
Family:
Scientific name:
Helianthus annuus
Main flower color:
Range:
All the western and Great Plains states
Height:
Up to 12 feet
Habitat:
Grassland, fields, roadsides, foothills
Leaves:
Ovate or cordate, pointed, alternate; edges irregularly toothed
Season:
June to September
The common sunflower, helianthus annuus, is a familiar sight in fields and roadsides all across America. The large flowerheads can measure 5 inches across, with around 20 lightly grooved yellow ray florets surrounding a center of purplish-brown disc florets. The green phyllaries beneath the flower head are wide at the base but sharply pointed at the tip, and have a sparse covering of short hairs.
The plant branches readily and may produce many dozen flowers. Stems are thick, tough and hairy. Leaves grow on stalks; they are heart-shaped (cordate) around the base and ovate higher up. The disc florets develop into edible seeds in the fall.
The plant branches readily and may produce many dozen flowers. Stems are thick, tough and hairy. Leaves grow on stalks; they are heart-shaped (cordate) around the base and ovate higher up. The disc florets develop into edible seeds in the fall.
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