Wild sunflower, Showy sunflower
Helianthus annuus subsp. lenticularis
Family: Asteraceae
What it is like
An annual plant. It grows 1-2 m high. It has fleshy roots. The leaves are mainly alternate and simple. They are oval and have a heart shaped base. They have a leaf stalks and have coarse teeth. They are 10-20 cm long. The flowers are large yellow disks that are brown in the centre. The flower heads can occur singly or as several together. They are 7.5-15 cm across. The fruit is a smooth dry achene.
Almost all Helianthus (60 species) in N and S America are edible.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows along roadsides and in waste places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Canada, North America, USA
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Seeds