The Helianthus annuus, or common sunflower, is a tall, annual flowering plant native to Central America but grown worldwide. Its large, bright blooms are actually a compound flower made up of many small florets, with disc florets producing sunflower seeds. The plant is grown for decorative and commercial purposes, with its seeds and oil being used in many cuisines. It is related to other sunflowers and the Jerusalem artichoke.
Helianthus annuus is the Latin or scientific name for the common sunflower. This particular sunflower is native to Central America, but is grown throughout the American continent, as well as in Russia. An annual flowering plant, it is easily distinguished from other flowers due to its large, bright blooms and relatively large height. Most cultivars grow from 8 feet (about 2.4 m) to 15 feet (about 6 m) tall.
The bloom of the Helianthus annuus is actually a compound flower, or head, that is made up of many small flowers, or florets. This head consists of a series of intensely colored triangular florets radiating from a circular center of very small brownish-purple florets. Most heads are relatively large: between 8 inches (approximately 20 cm) and 12 inches (approximately 30.5 cm) in diameter.
The smaller florets are called disc florets while the larger florets are called ray florets. Disc florets, which crowd together in a spiral pattern, eventually produce sunflower seeds, while ray florets are sterile. The flowers of the ray vary in color from dark brown to pale yellow. However, most Helianthus annuus ray florets are bright yellow. Because of this, and because the flower head is always facing the sun, it’s easy to understand why the flower is commonly known as the sunflower.
There are many varieties of the plant, including the American giant hybrid, Aztec sun, giant evening primrose, lemon queen, ring of fire, strawberry blonde, and yellow empress. Smaller, dwarf varieties of the flower include the teddy bear, sunspot, and autumn beauty. Giant Russian Helianthus annuus plants can reach heights of up to 12 feet (about 3.7 m). Italian white Helianthus annuus heads have black and white flowers, while strains like the afternoon sun can have ray flowers that are almost pink.
In addition to being grown for decorative uses, the plants are also grown for commercial purposes. Hardy and easy to grow, the plants are valued for their seeds, which can be eaten or used to produce sunflower oil. The seeds and oil of Helianthus annuus were historically important in many Native American cuisines, and these products are still consumed throughout the world. Russia and the state of Kansas are the largest producers of sunflower oil; The plant is the official flower in Kansas.
Helianthus annuus is a member of the aster/daisy family. It is also related to the perennial sunflower Helianthus maximillianii. A distant relative of the plant is the Jerusalem artichoke, Helianthus tuberosus. Also known as the sunchoke, this edible root vegetable is prized for its delicate artichoke flavor.
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