common sunflower

plant

Also known as: Helianthus annuus

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Last updated

June 24, 2026

Quick Summary

The common sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is an annual plant belonging to the aster family, native to the Americas. It is characterized by a tall, hairy stem, large, rough leaves, and striking flower heads that can reach 30 cm or more in diameter in cultivated varieties. The flower heads feature yellow, petallike ray flowers surrounding a disk of brown, yellow, or purple flowers.1

Economically, the common sunflower is highly valuable. Its seeds yield an edible oil, often compared to olive oil, used in cooking, soaps, paints, and as a lubricant. The seeds themselves are consumed dried, roasted, or as nut butter, and are a common component of birdseed mixes. The plant's leaves can also be used as fodder, and its flowers produce a yellow dye.12

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angiosperm
Inflorescences
, sunflowers, Helianthus annuus), for instance, the outer (or ray) flowers have a well-developed zygomorphic corolla, and the inner (disk) flowers have a small actinomorphic corolla. The inner disk flowers generally are complete flowers, and the ray flowers generally are sterile.
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, sunflowers, Helianthus annuus), for instance, the outer (or ray) flowers have a well-developed zygomorphic corolla, and the inner (disk) flowers have a small actinomorphic corolla. The inner disk flowers generally are complete flowers, and the ray flowers generally are sterile.
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sunflower
The common sunflower (H. annuus) is an annual herb with a rough hairy stem 1–4.5 metres (3–15 feet) high and broad, coarsely toothed, rough leaves 7.5–30 cm (3–12 inches) long arranged in spirals. The attractive heads of flowers are 7.5–15 cm wide in wild specimens and…
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The common sunflower (H. annuus) is an annual herb with a rough hairy stem 1–4.5 metres (3–15 feet) high and broad, coarsely toothed, rough leaves 7.5–30 cm (3–12 inches) long arranged in spirals. The attractive heads of flowers are 7.5–15 cm wide in wild specimens and…
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Asterales
Asteraceae
…importance is Helianthus annuus (sunflower), a native of North America. Sunflower seeds are excellent poultry feed and produce an oil commonly used as a salad or cooking oil, as well as in the manufacture of margarine, soap, paint, and varnish. Oil cake is fed to livestock, and the whole…
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…importance is Helianthus annuus (sunflower), a native of North America. Sunflower seeds are excellent poultry feed and produce an oil commonly used as a salad or cooking oil, as well as in the manufacture of margarine, soap, paint, and varnish. Oil cake is fed to livestock, and the whole…
Read More