Helianthus annuus (NATIVE Annual sunflower)
Fast growing, drought tolerant native annual with yellow flowers and large dark centers, blooming March to October. Smaller flower heads than commercial types used in food and oil production. May reach up to 10 ft. in height. Prefers disturbed ground and waste areas such as abandoned fields, roadsides and gravel pits; up to 10,000 ft. elevation. Easily established, often forming large colonies; tolerant of clay soils. Seeds are winter food for many birds. Visited by butterflies and bees. State flower of Kansas.
DISTRIBUTION / ADAPTATION
INFORMATION & ATTRIBUTES
Family: Asteraceae
Duration: Perennial
Growth Habit: Forb/herb
Native Status: Native
Growth Form: Single crown
Mature Height: 9 ft.
Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Period: Summer
Annual Precipitation: 12-60 in.
Drought Tolerance: Medium
Shade Tolerance: Intolerant
Elevation:
Wetland Indicator Status: FACU
Fire Resistance: No
Fire Tolerance: None
Nitrogen fixation:
SOIL ADAPTATION
Coarse Texture: Yes
Medium Texture: Yes
Fine Texture: Yes
Salinity Tolerance: Medium
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
pH Range: 5.5-7.8
SEEDING NOTES
Seeds per Pound: 46,900
Seeding Rate: 10-20 PLS lbs/acre
Season:
Days to Germination:
VARIETIES & LOCAL ACCESSIONS
None