There is something magical about sunflowers. They glow like the sun, come in a variety of colors, heights, and shapes. Like dandelions, children seem to enjoy them and they are easy to grow. A member of the Asteraceae family, Helianthus can be found in gardens, along roadsides, and on farms. Fields of sunflowers are an impressive sight to see. Height ranges from three to ten plus feet. Leaves are long and oval in shape. The flower head is disk-shaped with petals in an ovate shape. Seeds form in the disk. Leaves are opposite at the base but alternate (some may be opposite) at the top.
Sunflowers are heliotropic. This means that the leaves will turn so that they are perpendicular to the sun throughout the day, maximizing the amount of light that hits those leaves.
Other members of the Sunflower family include Echinacea purpurea, Coreopsis, Sunchokes, and Elecampane. Sunflower moths, Painted Lady caterpillars, aphids, and weevils all enjoy sunflowers. Once the seeds are set look for a variety of birds including Goldfinches, Sparrows, Jays, and Chickadees.
Sunflowers grow well in a large pot, so small spaces can be brightened by this dazzling plant. Enjoy the “sun” this plant brings.
Resources:
-Botany in a Day by Thomas J. Elpel
-Wildflowers of New England by Ted Elliman and New England Wild Flower Society
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