Plains sunflower (Helianthus petiolaris, J. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 2: 115 (1821))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: Nutt.

Bibliography: J. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 2: 115 (1821)

Year: 1821

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Helianthus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Canada to N. Mexico

Description

The Plains sunflower, scientifically known as Helianthus petiolaris, is a remarkable plant native to North America. This species was first described in 1821 by the eminent botanist Thomas Nuttall in the Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. The vibrant and resilient Plains sunflower belongs to the Asteraceae family, a large and diverse family commonly referred to as the aster, daisy, or sunflower family.

Plains sunflowers can be found thriving across a wide range of territories, extending from Canada in the north to northern Mexico. This distribution underscores their adaptability to various climatic and soil conditions across North America. The plant is particularly notable for its preference for open, sunny locations, often favoring prairies, meadows, and roadsides where it can bask in plenty of sunlight.

Characterized by its bright yellow petals and dark, seed-rich centers, the Plains sunflower blooms prolifically during the summer months, often creating stunning displays of golden fields. The flowers generally grow on tall, slender stems that can reach impressive heights, contributing to their prominence in the landscape.

The Helianthus petiolaris plays a crucial ecological role. Its flowers attract a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other insects, which are essential for the fertilization process. Additionally, the seeds of the Plains sunflower provide a valuable food source for various bird species, further embedding the plant within the food chain of its native habitats.

This sunflower’s hardiness and beauty make it a popular choice for wildflower gardens and as a decorative species in landscaping. Its ability to thrive in less-than-ideal soil conditions makes it a low-maintenance option for gardeners seeking to enhance biodiversity.

In summary, the Plains sunflower, with its striking appearance and ecological significance, is a plant that bridges the delicate balance between ornamental beauty and environmental utility. Its widespread presence from Canada to northern Mexico serves as a testament to its versatility and enduring appeal.

Common Names

Deu: blattstiel-sonnenblume, gestielte sonnenblume
Lit: ilgakotė saulėgrąža
Eng: lesser sunflower, petioled sunflower, plains sunflower, prairie sunflower, showy sunflower, deceptive sunflower, kansas sunflower, prarie sunflower
Dan: purpur-solsikke
Ces: slune
Swe: hamnsolros
Fra: hélianthe des prairies, hélianthe de la prairie
Cym: blodyn-yr-haul bach
En: Plains sunflower, Prairie sunflower, Petioled sunflower, Lesser sunflower, Annual sunflower, Showy sunflower, Deceptive Sunflower, Kansas sunflower, Prarie Sunflower
Cs: Slune
Da: Purpur-solsikke
Fi: Pikkuauringonkukka
Fr: Hélianthe des prairies, Hélianthe de la Prairie
De: Blattstiel-Sonnenblume, Gestielte Sonnenblume
Lt: Ilgakotė saulėgrąža
Sv: Hamnsolros
Cy: Blodyn-yr-haul bach

Synonyms

• Helianthus annuus subsp. petiolaris ((Nutt.) Anashch.)

Distribution

• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Austria (introduced)
• Baltic States (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• East European Russia (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Primorye (introduced)
• Ukraine (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 21, 2021 by Charlotte Weddington (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 5, 2022 by Rourke Karen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2022 by Rvt 063 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 3, 2022 by Alp Aslan (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 27, 2022 by Chris L (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2022 by Jean-François Latour (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2021 by Cathy Maguire (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2022 by Barb T (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 16, 2015 by EOL − acreman (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 15, 2013 by EOL − Simon Kingston (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 8, 2021 by Emile Van Dingenen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 12, 2014 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2021 by Jeff Potts (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 12, 2022 by Cameron Waibel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 12, 2014 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 12, 2014 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2021 by gideon van melle (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 12, 2014 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2021 by Cathy Maguire (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3119225)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:119216-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Helianthus petiolaris Nutt.)

Specifications

Growth