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Asteraceae Family - "Ashy Sunflower"
Helianthus is from the Greek word helios meaning "sun" and anthos for "flower".
Gray-green plants reaching 3 feet tall with 2 to 4 inch wide yellow flowers. Found in the southern portions of the Tallgrass region on upland prairies. Blooms from July through September.
The seeds of the sunflowers have been used as food by both man and animals. An oil can be extracted from the seeds and can be used for cooking or making soap. Often, the fibers from the coarse stalks of the sunflower have been used for textiles.
Natural hybridization occurs between the numerous Helianthus species, often with very pleasing and interesting results.
