Description: An annual herb with a strong upright stem and large flower head surrounded by yellow ray florets. The central disc contains numerous small flowers that produce seeds.

Identification: Tall hairy stem; large rough leaves; large yellow flower head; striped or dark seeds.

Habitat & distribution: Originally from North America and widely cultivated worldwide.

Uses / importance: Important oilseed and ornamental crop. Flowers provide nectar and pollen for insects, while seeds are used as food and for oil production.

Taxonomy:
Kingdom – Plantae
Clade – Angiosperms
Clade – Eudicots
Order – Asterales
Family – Asteraceae
Genus – Helianthus
Species – H. annuus

Sources: Kew POWO; agricultural literature.