- Name
- Sunflower
- Common Names
- Scientific Name
- Helianthus spp
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Description
- With only a handful of exceptions, the 70+ plants in the genus Helianthus are all native to North/Central America. There are many NC piedmont native species in this genus, including Helianthus angustifolius (Narrow Leaf Sunflower, Narrow-Leaved Coreopsis, Swamp Sunflower). Sunflowers are usually tall annual or perennial plants that in some species can grow to a height of 300 cm (120 in) or more. They bear one or more wide, terminal capitula (flower heads), with bright yellow ray florets at the outside and yellow or maroon (also known as a brown/red) disc florets in the center. Numerous ornamental cultivars available.
- Leaves
- Flowers
- Sunflowers bear one or more wide, terminal flower heads, with bright yellow ray florets at the outer edge and yellow or maroon disc florets in the center.
- Bloom Time
- June-October
- Pollen Source
- very good: Sunflower pollen is low in protein and some amino acids, but a recent study from researchers at NC State University found that sunflower pollen reduced infection by Nosema ceranae in honey bees (Giacomini 2018).
- Nectar Source
- good
- Pollen Color
- bright yellow
- Native to NC
- No
