Common Name: Prairie Sunflower

General Information

Helianthus petiolaris is an annual plant with erect stems; it can grow around 40 - 200cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine
Helianthus petiolaris is a widespread species across North America. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2016)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Most of N.America from southern Canada to northern Mexico, but absent from the southeast.

Habitat

Sandy soils[]. Dry prairies[]. Dry open areas, usually in sandy soils; at elevations from 10 - 2,500 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	1.50 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in most soils in a sunny position[]. Requires a rich soil[]. Dislikes shade[]. Grows well on dry soils[].
The young growth is extremely attractive to slugs, plants can be totally destroyed by them[].
This species hybridizes in the wild with Helianthus annuus[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[].

Edible Uses

Seed - raw or cooked. An oily texture[, ]. The seed can be ground into a powder and kneaded into seed butter[].

Medicinal

The powdered leaves, either on their own or in an ointment, have been used as a dressing for sores and swellings[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow in mid spring in situ. An earlier start can be made by sowing 2 - 3 seeds per pot in a greenhouse in early spring. Use a fairly rich compost. Thin to the strongest seedling, give them an occasional liquid feed to make sure they do not become nutrient deficient and plant them out in late spring or early summer.