Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Helianthus annuus
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| Common Names: |
Annual Sunflower, Giant Sunflower, Indian Pot Herb
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| Key Name: |
Common Sunflower
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| Parts Used: |
Seeds, leaves, flowers, roots
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| Sister Plants: |
Rudbeckia spp., Echinacea spp., Coreopsis spp.
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| Comments: |
Annual plant highly attractive to pollinators; thrives in sunny, open areas
|
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
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| Stem: |
Erect, 3-10 ft, hairy, green to reddish
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| Leaves: |
Broad, heart-shaped, 4-12 inches, rough, dark green
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| Flowers: |
Large yellow heads with dark centers, blooming June-September, rich in nectar and pollen
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| Fruit: |
Dry achenes (sunflower seeds), 0.5-1 cm, in head
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| Taste: |
Nutty (seeds), bitter (leaves)
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| Odour: |
Mild, sweet scent from flowers
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| Root: |
Deep taproot, supports stability
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| Image URL: |
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Distribution |
| Distribution: |
Native to North America, cultivated worldwide
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| 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
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| Harvest: |
Seeds: Fall; Flowers: Summer
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Medical |
| Therapeutic Action: |
Diuretic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, astringent
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| Medical Uses: |
Used for respiratory issues, urinary complaints, inflammation, and as a mild diuretic; seeds for nutrition, roots for wounds
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| Constituents: |
Fatty acids, linoleic acid, phenolic acids, quercetin
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| Solvents: |
Water, oil (seed extraction), alcohol (tincture)
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| Dosage: |
Infusion: 1 tsp dried leaves in hot water; Seeds: 1-2 oz daily
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| Administration: |
Internal: Infusion or seeds; External: Poultice for wounds
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| Formulas: |
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| Contra Indications: |
May cause allergic reactions; avoid excessive seed consumption; consult healthcare provider
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| Preparation: |
Infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried leaves in hot water for 10 minutes; Roast seeds at 300°F for 20-30 minutes
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| Chinese: |
No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
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| Veterinary: |
Used for nutritional support in livestock
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| Homeopathic: |
No known homeopathic use documented
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Pollination and Pollinators |
| Apis: |
No
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| Pollinator: |
1
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| Pollen: |
Yes
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| Pollen Notes: |
Pollen attracts bees, butterflies; some self-pollination
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| Nectar: |
Yes
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| Nectar Notes: |
Nectar-rich, attracts bees, butterflies, beneficial insects; key for pollinator gardens
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Other |
| Non-Medical Uses: |
Ornamental, oil production, bird feed
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| Culinary Uses: |
Seeds roasted or raw, young flower buds cooked like artichokes
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| History: |
Cultivated by Native Americans for food and medicine; commercialized in 19th century
|
| Reference: |
Plants For A Future; USDA NRCS
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| URL: |
https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Helianthus+annuus
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| Share: |
Private
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