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?

[Salsacharley]

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.

Do you think it would work to save seeds? I disected a faded bloom and there's no sign of seeds yet.

[carolyn137]

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

Carolyn

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!

[carolyn137]

Originally Posted by JoParrott

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

I agree about the bindweed- I don't think the wild sunflower will be that bad!

[Worth1]

These plants are everywhere here in Texas.

[Nan_PA_6b]

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.



Nan

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.

[SQWIBB]

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

[MrBig46]

We sell shrub sunflower here. She has no seeds. They multiply vegetatively, cuttings well rooting. It's really beautiful.
Vladimír

[Labradors2]

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