Annual Sunflower

Annual Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is common and widespread. It is a native and in the case of many varieties, a domesticated crop. In some areas it is so prolific it is considered a roadside weed. Despite its “weedy” reputation to some, annual sunflower is a valuable and often used species for reclamation, wildlife habitat improvement and pollinators.

Annual sunflower is common in open sites in many different habitats throughout North America, southern Canada, and Mexico. Annual sunflower should not be confused with the large, cultivated, edible varieties. It is considered an open land species, generally on moist soils, but it can survive high heat and periods of drought. It is a species of prairies and other grasslands, old fields, roadsides, railroad rights-of-way, savannas, and forest edge.

Sunflowers need full sun. They are especially prominent along roadsides and disturbed areas, making them a good ingredient for reclamation and stablilization mixes. Sunflowers are an important species for wildlife habitat improvement, especially for birds. Annual Sunflower is a common component in pollinator mixes.

The name “Helianthus” comes from the Greek helios anthos, meaning “sun flower”, the species name annuus means “annual.” Originally cultivated by North American Indians, it has a long and interesting history as a food plant. Sunflower seeds were and still are eaten raw, roasted, cooked, dried, and ground, and used as a source of oil. The roasted seeds have been used as a coffee substitute. Numerous tribes from Canada to Mexico have used them for food, as a die and for medicine. They are often cited in folklore and storytelling. In the Southwest, the Hopi believe that when the sunflowers are numerous, it is a sign that there will be an abundant harvest. In the prairies, the Teton Dakota had a saying, “when the sunflowers were tall and in full bloom, the buffaloes were fat and the meat good”

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