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Summary

Helianthus hybrids, Sunflowers are usually tall annual or perennial plants that, in some species, can grow to a height of 3m (10ft) or more. They may have edible seeds (and oil), flowers, and stems. Perennial sunflowers have protein- and oil-rich seeds. Perennial crops are now being developed for their seed oil, with The Land Institute seeing them as part of a perennial polyculture system. Harvesting: Seeds are harvested in late summer to early autumn when the flower heads are mature and dry. Flowers are harvested in summer to early autumn. Sunflowers are usually tall annual or perennial plants that in some species can grow to a height of 3m or more. Perennial sunflowers have protein and oil-rich seeds. Perennial crops are being developed for their oil-seed. The Land Institute see them as part of a perennial polyculture system [1-1].

Physical Characteristics

Helianthus hybrids is a PERENNIAL growing to 3.6 m (11ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Many. See individual species.

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Oil Seed Stem
Edible Uses: Drink Oil

Carbon Farming Solutions - Staple Crop: protein-oil (The term staple crop typically refers to a food that is eaten routinely and accounts for a dominant part of people's diets in a particular region of the world) [1-1]. Perennial crops are being developed for their oil-seed. The Land Institute see them as part of a perennial polyculture system [1-1].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Various medicinal qualities depending on the species.

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Biomass Oil

See individual species. Agroforestry uses: They can be used as a pollinator plant, providing habitat and food for beneficial insects. They also help with soil erosion control and can improve soil health. Some sunflowers are a good source of biomass. The tubers are used in industry to make alcohol etc[141]. The alcohol fermented from the tubers is said to be of better quality than that from sugar beets[269]. Can be grown as a temporary summer screen[200]. Ornamental. A food plants for the larvae of many lepidopterans. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen: Yes – Perennial sunflowers are known for their large, vibrant flowers that are rich in nectar and pollen, attracting various pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. 2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting): Yes – The seeds of perennial sunflowers are a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife. Additionally, their foliage can provide some shelter and cover for small animals and insects. 3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover): Yes – The dense foliage and leaf litter around perennial sunflowers can serve as habitat for invertebrates and provide overwintering sites. 4. Pest Confuser (Smell): No – While sunflowers may emit some scent, they are not typically known for producing strong aromas that would confuse or deter pests effectively.

Special Uses

Carbon Farming Food Forest

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Management: Standard Staple Crop: Protein-oil Under Development

Climate: boreal to warm temperate. Humidity: semi-arid to humid. Carbon Farming Solutions - Cultivation: under development. Management: standard (Describes the non-destructive management systems that are used in cultivation) [1-1]. Perennial crops are being developed for their oil-seed. The Land Institute see them as part of a perennial polyculture system [1-1]. Several perennial sunflowers are being worked with including prairie natives handling boreal to warm temperate semi-arid conditions: Helianthus maximliani (Maximilian sunflower), Helianthus tuberosus (Jerusalem artichoke), Helianthus pauciflorus (Stiff sunflower). Less tolerant of boreal conditions but good on poor soils is Helianthus cusickii ( Cusick's sunflower) [1-1]. Many perennial sunflowers are self-fertile, but they can also benefit from cross-pollination. Seeds are typically harvested in late summer to early autumn when the flower heads are mature and dry. Perennial sunflowers generally flower in late summer to early autumn. Perennial sunflowers tend to grow moderately fast, establishing well within a couple of years and often reaching full size by the second or third year.

Carbon Farming

Management: Standard Plants grow to their standard height. Harvest fruit, seeds, or other products. Non-Destructive management systems.
Staple Crop: Protein-oil (16+ percent protein, 16+ percent oil). Annuals include soybeans, peanuts, sunflower seeds. Perennials include seeds, beans, nuts, and fruits such as almond, Brazil nut, pistachio, walnut, hazel, and safou.
Under Development Plant breeders are actively working to domesticate these plants for cultivation, but they are not yet commercially available as crops. Examples include most of the perennial cereal grains.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

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Plant Propagation

See individual species.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Helianthus hybrids, Helianthus species, Helianthus SPP

Native Range

Origin: hybrid. All Helianthus species are native to North America except for three species in South America.

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Perennial sunflower species are not as common in garden use due to their tendency to spread rapidly and become invasive.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : This taxon has not yet been assessed

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Helianthus annuus	Sunflower, Common sunflower	Annual	3.0	6-9	F	LMH	SN	DM	5	2	5
Helianthus cusickii	Cusick's sunflower	Perennial	0.6	7-10	F	LMH	N	DM	3	1	0
Helianthus decapetalus	Thinleaf sunflower	Perennial	1.2	2-8	M	LMH	SN	M	0	0	2
Helianthus doronicoides		Perennial	1.8	4-8		LMH	N	M	2	0
Helianthus giganteus	Giant Sunflower	Perennial	3.6	4-8	F	LMH	N	M	3	0	0
Helianthus laetiflorus	Showy Sunflower, Cheerful sunflower	Perennial	2.0	4-8		LMH	N	M	2	0
Helianthus lenticularis	Wild Sunflower	Annual	3.0	-		LMH	N	M	3	0
Helianthus maximilianii	Maximillian Sunflower, Maximillian Daisy	Perennial	2.4	5-10	M	LMH	N	M	3	0	0
Helianthus pauciflorus	Stiff Sunflower, Prairie Sunflower	Perennial	1.5	3-7	F	LMH	N	DM	4	0	1
Helianthus petiolaris	Prairie Sunflower	Annual	3.0	4-8		LMH	N	DM	2	1	0
Helianthus strumosus	Paleleaf Woodland Sunflower	Perennial	2.0	4-8		LMH	N	M	2	1
Helianthus tuberosus	Jerusalem Artichoke	Perennial	2.4	4-8	F	LMH	N	DM	4	1	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Helianthus hybrids - Various