Asteraceae

Helianthus annuus

Common Sunflower

Erect annual. Stems rough-haired. Leaves broad, heart-shaped at base, usually with pointed tips, saw-toothed. Flower heads few to many, often 8 in. across in the wild, larger in cultivated plants. Yellow ray flowers 15 or more, surrounding center of yellow, red, or purple disk flowers. Grows in many habitats at low elevations. Sunflowers are thought to originate in southwestern and prairie states. They are cultivated over much of North America for their valuable seeds and to attract wildlife.

• Rarity: Common
• Flowering Time: All Spring And Summer
• Life Cycle: Annual
• Height: 3--10 feet
• Habitat: Meadow, West-Side Forest, East-Side Forest, Shrub-Steppe
• Found In:
• Native: Yes