Helianthus petiolaris

Helianthus petiolaris
Prairie Sunflower
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Asterids
Order:	Asterales
Family:	Asteraceae
Genus:	Helianthus
Species:	H. petiolaris
Binomial name
Helianthus petiolaris Nutt.

PLANTS Profile

Helianthus petiolaris is part of the Compositae or sunflower family, Asteraceae. This species is commonly known as the prairie sunflower. Naturalist and botanist Thomas Nuttall was the first to described the prairie sunflower in 1821.^[1] The word petiolaris in Latin means, “having a petiole”.^[2] It originated in western United States, but has since expanded east. The prairie sunflower is considered a be a weed.

Distribution

Helianthus petiolaris originated in the dry prairies of Minnesota, Oregon, Texas, California, and other states in western United States. It has since expanded its distribution to throughout the United States and Canada. H. petiolaris is now the most widely distributed species of sunflower besides H. annuus.

Habitat and ecology

The prairie sunflower is commonly found growing in sandy areas. They can also be found in heavy clay soil and in dry prairies. The prairie sunflower is unable to grow in shady areas; it needs to be in direct sunlight. It requires dry to moist soil. This species of sunflower is an annual flower, blooming between the months of June and September. The prairie sunflower can be found from the Great Plains to the Rockies.

Morphology

Individuals of this species occur as shrubs and are taprooted annuals. They can grow up to four feet tall. The leaves appear alternate and the flowers have a close resemblance to the traditional sunflower. The flowers are hermaphrodite, which means the flowers contain both male and female parts.^[3] The stem of the flower is erect and hairy. The leaves on the shrub are alternate, has a lanceolate shape, rough in texture, are bluish-green in color, and has a length between 2-5 inches.^[4]

Flowers

Prairie Sunflower

Flowers of Helianthus petiolaris have flowers reminiscent of the flower of a common sunflower, Helianthus annuus. The fruits of the flowers are known as achenes. The flower contains 10 to 30 yellow rays, dark red-brown disks, and green, lanceolate phyllaries (bracts).^[5] The center of the flower has hints of white due to the presence of white hairs on the chaff. The flowers attract butterflies and bees for pollination.^[6]

Food

The seeds in the plant are edible and can be ground up into an oily meal or into a butter.^[7]

Medicinal

Powdered leaves of the prairie sunflower are said to work well with the healing of sores and swellings.^[8]

References