Helianthus annuus

Common Names

  • Chinese: 向日葵
  • English: Sunflower
  • Scientific: Helianthus annuus

Taxonomy

Eukaryota; Viridiplantae; Streptophyta; Streptophytina; Embryophyta; Tracheophyta; Euphyllophyta; Spermatophyta; Magnoliopsida; Mesangiospermae; eudicotyledons; Gunneridae; Pentapetalae; asterids; campanulids; Asterales; Asteraceae; Asteroideae; Heliantheae alliance; Heliantheae; Helianthus

Genome References

Todesco M, Owens GL, Bercovich N, et al. Massive haplotypes underlie ecotypic differentiation in sunflowers. Nature. 2020;584(7822):602-607.

[Helianthus annuus]

Helianthus annuus

Description

Helianthus annuus, or sunflower, is an annual in the Asteraceae family, native to North America. Known for its large, bright yellow flower heads, it can grow 3-10 feet tall, following the sun’s movement (heliotropism). Sunflowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, blooming in summer. Their seeds are edible, used for oil production, or as snacks. Sunflowers are popular in gardens and as ornamental plants, attracting bees and birds. Their bold, cheerful appearance makes them a symbol of positivity, and they’re often grown in fields or as statement plants in landscapes.