Wild Sunflower (Helianthus lenticularis)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Choice Edible (5/5)

Helianthus lenticularis is a ANNUAL growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

rich soups. — Seed - raw or cooked.; The seed can be dried and ground into a powder then used with cereal flowers in making breads, cakes and rich soups.; An edible oil is obtained from the seed.; The roasted shells, after the starch has been removed, or the roasted seeds, can be used in preparing a coffee-like beverage.

Habitat & North American Range

Roadsides and waste places in rich soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)