Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Helianthus annuus
|
| Common Names: |
Annual Sunflower, Giant Sunflower, Indian Pot Herb
|
| Key Name: |
Common Sunflower
|
| Parts Used: |
Seeds, leaves, flowers, roots
|
| Sister Plants: |
Rudbeckia spp., Echinacea spp., Coreopsis spp.
|
| Comments: |
Annual plant highly attractive to pollinators; thrives in sunny, open areas
|
Taxonomy |
| Kingdom |
Viridiplantae |
Phylum |
Streptophyta |
| Class |
Magnoliopsida |
Order |
Asterales |
| Family |
Asteraceae |
Genus |
Helianthus |
| Species |
annuus |
NCBI Tax ID |
4232
|
| Organism |
|
|
Characteristics |
| Identifying Character: |
Annual (3-10 ft), erect hairy stem, broad heart-shaped Leaves, large yellow flower heads with dark centers (3-6 in), drooping ray florets
|
| Stem: |
Erect, 3-10 ft, hairy, green to reddish
|
| Leaves: |
Broad, heart-shaped, 4-12 inches, rough, dark green
|
| Flowers: |
Large yellow heads with dark centers, blooming June-September, rich in nectar and pollen
|
| Fruit: |
Dry achenes (sunflower seeds), 0.5-1 cm, in head
|
| Taste: |
Nutty (seeds), Bitter (Leaves)
|
| Odour: |
Mild, sweet scent from flowers
|
| Root: |
Deep taproot, supports stability
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| Image: |
(image unavailable)
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|
Distribution |
| Distribution: |
Native to North America, cultivated worldwide
|
| Cultivation: |
Plant in full Sun, well-drained soil; sow seeds 1 inch deep in spring after last frost; space 2-3 ft apart; water regularly until established, tolerates drought
|
| Harvest: |
seeds: Fall; flowers: Summer
|
Medical |
| Therapeutic Action: |
Diuretic, Expectorant, Anti-inflammatory, Astringent
|
| Medical Uses: |
Used for respiratory issues, Urinary complaints, inflammation, and as a mild Diuretic; seeds for nutrition, roots for Wounds
|
| Constituents: |
Fatty acids, linoleic acid, phenolic acids, quercetin
|
| Solvents: |
Water, oil (seed extraction), alcohol (Tincture)
|
| Dosage: |
infusion: 1 tsp dried Leaves in hot water; seeds: 1-2 oz daily
|
| Administration: |
Internal: infusion or seeds; External: Poultice for Wounds
|
| Formulas: |
|
| Contra Indications: |
May cause Allergic reactions; avoid Excessive seed consumption; consult healthcare provider
|
| Preparation: |
infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried Leaves in hot water for 10 minutes; Roast seeds at 300??F for 20-30 minutes
|
| Chinese: |
No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
|
| Veterinary: |
Used for nutritional support in livestock
|
| Homeopathic: |
No known homeopathic use documented
|
Pollination and Pollinators |
| Apis: |
No
|
| Pollinator: |
1
|
| Pollen: |
Yes
|
| Pollen Notes: |
Pollen attracts bees, butterflies; some self-pollination
|
| Nectar: |
Yes
|
| Nectar Notes: |
Nectar-rich, attracts bees, butterflies, beneficial insects; key for pollinator gardens
|
Other |
| Non-Medical Uses: |
ornamental, oil production, bird feed
|
| Culinary Uses: |
seeds roasted or raw, young flower buds cooked like artichokes
|
| History: |
Cultivated by Native Americans for food and medicine; commercialized in 19th century
|
| Reference: |
Plants For A Future; USDA NRCS
|
| URL: |
https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Helianthus+annuus
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| Share: |
Private
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