Helianthus annuus

Native to dry plains, prairies, meadows and foothills in the western U. S., Canada and northern Mexico, this sunflower is a coarse, hairy, leafy, fast-growing annual that typically grows 5-10 tall on stiff upright stalks. The species is a somewhat weedy plant that is now commonly seen growing along roads, fences, fields and in waste areas west of the Mississippi River and is the state flower of Kansas. It is native to Missouri, primarily in the northern part of the State. Species plants feature 3-6î wide sunflowers with orange-yellow rays and brown to purple center disks. Flowers bloom in sum... more »

Native to dry plains, prairies, meadows and foothills in the western U. S., Canada and northern Mexico, this sunflower is a coarse, hairy, leafy, fast-growing annual that typically grows 5-10 tall on stiff upright stalks. The species is a somewhat weedy plant that is now commonly seen growing along roads, fences, fields and in waste areas west of the Mississippi River and is the state flower of Kansas. It is native to Missouri, primarily in the northern part of the State. Species plants feature 3-6î wide sunflowers with orange-yellow rays and brown to purple center disks. Flowers bloom in summer. Extensive crossing and hybridizing have resulted in a large number of cultivars that greatly expand the range of flower colors (ray flowers in bright and pastel shades of yellow, red, mahogany, bronze, white and bicolors) and flower head shapes (short rays, long rays, some doubles). Dwarf varieties (1-3 tall) and mammoth varieties (to 15 tall) are also available. Flower heads on mammoth varieties can reach 12î in diameter. Disk flowers give way to the familiar sunflower seeds. Large, ovate to triangular, sandpapery leaves to 12î long. Sunflowers have become very popular commercial cut flowers throughout the world. Cultivated varieties are also commercially grown for their edible seeds which are used inter alia in livestock feed, as birdseed and for cooking oils. Flower heads tend to follow the path of the sun each day from morning to night, hence the common name. (less)