Common sunflower

Helianthus annuus

Fast growing, drought tolerant native annual with yellow flowers and large dark centers, blooming March to October. Smaller flower heads than commercial types used in food and oil production (see section: Cover Crops & Annual Forages). May reach up to 10 ft. in height. Prefers disturbed ground and waste areas such as abandoned fields, roadsides and gravel pits; up to 10,000 ft. elevation. Easily established, often forming large colonies; tolerant of clay soils. Seeds are winter food for many birds. Visited by butterflies and bees. State flower of Kansas.