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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Helianthus strumosus is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft 7in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from September to October. 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 moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root
Edible Uses:

Root[177]. No more details but it is probably used raw or cooked like the Jerusalem artichoke.

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.
Anthelmintic Pectoral

A decoction of the roots has been used to get rid of worms in both adults and children[257]. An infusion of the roots has been used in the treatment of lung problems[257].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in most soils in a sunny position[1]. Requires a rich soil[1]. Dislikes shade[1]. Prefers a moist soil[200]. The young growth is extremely attractive to slugs, plants can be totally destroyed by them[K]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[233]. Plants have a running root system and can be invasive[1].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

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.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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 hybrids	Perennial Sunflower	Perennial	3.6	4-11	F	LMH	N	DM	4	2	2
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 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.

Expert comment

Author

Botanical References

200235

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment


	Mar 2 2015 12:00AM

Edibility rating of 2 seems very low for such a prolific producer of edible roots. Especially since the roots are easier to handle (better shape for peeling) than Jerusalem artichokes which has an edibility rating of 4.

Helianthus strumosus - L.