Helianthus annuus
Record ID:78Naming |
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|---|---|
| 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 |
Characteristics |
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| 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 |
| Image: |
Image URL: https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse4.mm.bing.net%2Fth%2Fid%2FOIP.rC1FobdB0eY38s0VUiQxzQHaE8%3Fpid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=a8132ac92bcd8318f4798ae26f89392947f9e04bc9c6eaf38e9e05b666c6389d&ipo=images |
Distribution |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
| Share: | Private |