Prairie Sunflower
Helianthus petiolaris
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Helianthus petiolaris is a ANNUAL growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 3
Where it is found
Sandy soils. Dry prairies.
Central to western N. America - Manitoba and Minnesota south to Arizona.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Seed - raw or cooked. An oily texture. The seed can be ground into a powder and kneaded into seed butter.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The powdered leaves, either on their own or in an ointment, have been used as a dressing for sores and swellings.
Salve: Soothes and heals damaged skin.
Other
Rating: 0
How it is grown
Succeeds in most soils in a sunny position. Requires a rich soil. Dislikes shade. Grows well on dry soils. The young growth is extremely attractive to slugs, plants can be totally destroyed by them. This species hybridizes in the wild with H. annuus. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits.
Propagating it: Seed - sow in mid spring in situ. An earlier start can be made by sowing 2 - 3 seeds per pot in a greenhouse in early spring. Use a fairly rich compost. Thin to the strongest seedling, give them an occasional liquid feed to make sure they do not become nutrient deficient and plant them out in late spring or early summer.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist