Sunflower

Helianthus annuus - L. is a striking flower native to North America. It is an exceptionally tall flower which produces large flower heads with hundreds of edible seeds.

Scientific Name: Helianthus annuus - L.
Common Name: Sunflower, Common sunflower
Plant Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

Etymology: The scientific name Helianthus annuus - L. comes from Greek. In Greek “Helios” means sun, while “anthos” means flower.

Indigenous Uses

As sunflowers are native to many parts of the North American continent, there is a rich history of indigenous use of the plant.

Medicinal Uses 

A tea made from sunflower leaves has astringent, diuretic, expectorant properties and has been used to treat fevers. A poultice made from pounded leaves has also been used on sores, snake bites, and spider bites. A decoction made from sunflower seeds has been used to sooth aches.

Edible Parts

Sunflower are great sources of food. Flowers contain on average 1,000-2,000 seeds which can be eaten raw, roasted, or dried. They are high in fat and protein and can be made into a paste and eaten. Oil can also be extracted and used from sunflower seeds. Young flower buds can be eaten after being boiled or roasted. Roasted seed shells have also been used to make a coffee like substitute. Cakes and breads can be made with the crushed seed which creates sunflower meal.

Gathering and Using

Sunflowers can be harvested both for food and to replant for the next year. Seeds can be eaten raw, roasted, or dried.

Permaculture Functions and Considerations 

Sunflower plants are known to attract a variety of wildlife, including beneficial insects and pollinators, which have positive effects on the environment. They provide large amounts of food to both wildlife and people. They can also improve soil quality due to their large taproots.

Habitat

Sunflowers prefer well drained, dry to moderately moist soil, in a sunny location. Ideally, sunflowers should be planted in locations where they will be protected from strong winds, as they can be prone to fall or bend over due to their height and heavy flower head. Soil should be nutrient rich as sunflowers demand large amounts of nutrients for ideal growth. Sunflowers can grow in mildly acidic/basic soils and neutral soils.

How to Identify

Sunflowers have a uniquely tall and thick stalk and a large yellow flower head with hundreds of seeds. Sunflower leaves are dark green and have rough edges.

Wildlife Support

Sunflowers attract and support a plethora of wildlife including birds and butterflies. Many animals eat sunflower seeds.

Additional Information

Sunflower seeds can be used to make a dark purple-black dye. Sunflower seeds can also be used as animal feed and birdseed.

Sources

• “Helianthus annuus - L.” Plants for a Future. 
• “Helianthus annuus - L.” United States Department of Agriculture. 
• “Helianthus annuus.” Missouri Botanical Garden.
• “Sunflowers” Almanac.