Annual Sunflower
Helianthus annuus
Photographed in the bed of the Gila River near Goodyear, Maricopa Co., Arizona, USA on 11 Oct. 2007. This photo is also hosted on the Wikimedia Project at higher resolution.
ANNUAL: Annual Sunflower can sometimes survive in the Sonoran Desert for
more than a year if moisture and lack of killing frosts are favorable. With
good moisture plants can exceed 2 m in
height. Branching freely.
LEAVES Leaves simple, broadly elyptic, and sandy-textured. The stems
also feel rough to the touch due to stiff hairs.
RANGE: Most abundant at roadsides and areas surrounding agricultural
areas. Frequent as well in riparian situations and ranging into high
elevations. This plants is found throughout North America.
FLOWERS: Medium-sized yellow sunflowers - rays yellow and disc florets
brownish yellow. Flowering from mid spring until a killing frost arrives.
Birds and insects of many kinds use annual sunflowers as a food source. Many
kinds of bees and flower-loving flies are attracted to the flowers. Rover Ants
and others take nectar secretions and may work to protect the plant. A large
leafhopper, the Smoketree Sharpshooter, and lace bugs take sap from the phloem
tissue.Click a thumbnail for more information about these sunflower associates.
