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Old September 21, 2018   #1
JoParrott
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Default Is this a real Sunflower?

Is this a true Sunflower? It is about 3x3feet--my neighbor got it from her Mom as a small plant and it has grown really well. I have never seen one that grows in such an open manner. I tried breaking a flower off and the stem is so strong I couldn't break it! Could it be a perennial in the PNW?
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Old September 21, 2018   #2
Salsacharley
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That sure looks like sunflower to me. There are so many varieties that it easily is a sunflower. I don't know if it could be a perennial where you are. I know it seeds new growth very effectively. It would really be great if it can be a perennial for you.
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Old September 21, 2018   #3
JoParrott
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Do you think it would work to save seeds? I disected a faded bloom and there's no sign of seeds yet.
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Old September 22, 2018   #4
carolyn137
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I think it's what is called a wild sunflower one. When someone puts out black oil sunflower seeds that you buy for the birds I get lots of them when the birds drop some and they germinate..

Best to treat them as weeds and pull them up ASAP, say I.

https://www.google.com/search?q=wild...&bih=815&dpr=1

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Old September 22, 2018   #5
JoParrott
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I won't be pulling it up because in my eyes it is pretty--some say a weed is nothing but an unloved flower! I plan to save seeds and sprout them. If it turns out to be invasive or unwanted, then it will go to flower heaven!
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Old September 22, 2018   #6
carolyn137
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JoParrott View Post
I won't be pulling it up because in my eyes it is pretty--some say a weed is nothing but an unloved flower! I plan to save seeds and sprout them. If it turns out to be invasive or unwanted, then it will go to flower heaven!
Here is something I have here which I would LOVE to send to flower heaven, and I'd pay the cost of sending it up there.

https://www.google.com/search?q=bind...&bih=815&dpr=1

Carolyn
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Old September 22, 2018   #7
JoParrott
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I agree about the bindweed- I don't think the wild sunflower will be that bad!
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Old September 22, 2018   #8
Worth1
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These plants are everywhere here in Texas.
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Old October 2, 2018   #9
Nan_PA_6b
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I suspect that's some form of helianthus annuus, the annual sunflower. They attract chickadees and goldfinches who love the seeds. I think they're great. Deer love the plants too. Give the spent flowers enough time to lose their petals. Then gently rub off the green stuff (if any) on the seed head to see the seeds.



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Old July 17, 2019   #10
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So, did it grow back from the roots, or just reseed, or something else? I know there are a number of perennial sunflowers, but I'm only familiar with Jerusalem artichokes, personally, right now. We've got a nice patch of those growing.
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Old July 17, 2019   #11
SQWIBB
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I know this post is older
Shule1 I have a similar one that came back from the roots, I'm guessing the one JoParrot posted could be a perennial wild sunflower. Beach Sunflower (Cucumber-Leaf) (H. debilis cucumerifolius)


2018





2019
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Old July 17, 2019   #12
MrBig46
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We sell shrub sunflower here. She has no seeds. They multiply vegetatively, cuttings well rooting. It's really beautiful.
Vladimír
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Old July 17, 2019   #13
Labradors2
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Quote from Carolyn Male (in this thread!)

"Here is something I have here which I would LOVE to send to flower heaven, and I'd pay the cost of sending it up there."

https://www.google.com/search?q=bind...&bih=815&dpr=1

Carolyn


Sniff! I hope she took some seeds with her...…..

======

I think the volunteer sunflower types are lovely. I had a volunteer a couple of years ago (in the front of the bed). It had large, typical sunflower-type heads, but was multi-branched. We really enjoyed it - even more so when the goldfinches arrived to devour the seeds .

Linda
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