Annual Sunflower
Helianthus annuus L.
Helianthus annuus, known as Annual Sunflower, is a species in the Asteraceae family. It is a large annual forb native to regions including Newfoundland, Alberta, and British Columbia, as well as parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The plant is cultivated for its edible seeds, used in cooking oil, livestock feed, bird food, and ornamental gardening. Wild forms typically have multiple flower heads, while domestic varieties usually have a single large head on an unbranched stem. The species was first described in 1753 by Linnaeus.
Description
Helianthus annuus is a member of the daisy family Asteraceae, characterized by its tall, unbranched stem and prominent flower head. It is widely cultivated for its seeds, which are high in oil and used in various food and agricultural applications. The species has a broad distribution, occurring in North America and introduced to other regions. While wild populations often display multiple flower heads, cultivated forms are typically selected for a single, large head. The nomenclatural history of the species includes some debate over the correct type specimen, but the name remains valid and in use.
Other common names
Annual SunflowerCommon SunflowerGarden SunflowerSunflowerWild Sunflower
Distribution
Newfoundland · Alberta · British Columbia · Manitoba · New Brunswick · Nova Scotia · Northwest Territories · Ontario · Prince Edward Island · Quebec · Saskatchewan · Saint Pierre and Miquelon · Açores · Portugal Continental · Faial Island · Flores Island · BR · TW · ZA · SC · HR · IE · CK · Belgium · Brussels-Capital Region · Flemish Region · Walloon Region · France · The Netherlands · Great Britain
Synonyms
Helianthus tubaeformisHelianthus macrocarpusHelianthus indicusHelianthus aridusHelianthus aridus var. aridusHelianthus erythrocarpusHelianthus multiflorusHelianthus macrocarpusHelianthus annuus var. texanusHelianthus annuus subsp. texanusHelianthus annuus subsp. annuusHelianthus annuus var. lenticularisHelianthus annuus var. macrocarpusHelianthus annuus var. annuusHelianthus annuus f. annuusHelianthus jaegeriHelianthus annuus subsp. jaegeriHelianthus ovatusHelianthus platycephalusHelianthus annuus f. lenticularisHelianthus annuus var. coronatusHelianthus annuus var. vinosissimusHelianthus annuus var. aridusHelianthus annuus var. lenticularisHelianthus annuus var. inornatus
