We all have a fairly good thought what a sunflower appears like. A wild sunflower stands 3 to 12 ft tall, has a rough furry stem, alternating coronary heart formed leaves and of course a giant yellow rimmed disc for head. Whereas the “flower” part of the sun flower may actually seem like one flower, it is really made up of many little flowers: the yellow (additionally purple and brown) infertile ray florets and the darker (blue, brown, inexperienced, or purple) fertile disc florets where we get sunflower seeds from.
While most sunflower seeds come from the cultivated variety of the plant (which could be grown to heights of 20 to 30 feet), the wild solar flower still has a lot to offer, with every part being usable. Paradoxically, whereas each part aside from the bushy fibrous stem is edible, the wild sunflower is actually toxic to other plants. Weed-like, you can find them rising in abandoned yards, ditches, roadsides and nearly wherever else that occurs to get plenty of sun. The common subflower is the commonest species, but there are 60 different varites including the Helianthus Annus, Jerusalem Artichoke, and Helianthus Tuberosus. There are additionally some poisonous look-a-likes such because the knotted and easy bur marigold (they have hairless stems) and the tickseed sunflower that has long and thin leaves in lieu of coronary heart formed ones.
While sunflowers are usually not toxic to any individual or animal, it’s potential to be allergic to them. They’re also loaded with tannins, so it is best to not overindulge in them. Except for seeds, all different parts aside from the stems might be eaten and have medicinal qualities. The seeds can help with colds and coughs. The roots have been used to help with kidney issues in addition to digestive and respiratory problems. They have also been used to make a poultice for snake and biter bites. The leaves are used to make a tea that’s good for treating fevers.
The sunflower could be utilized for a wide variety of applications. Planting in your garden may help leech toxins from the soil. The leaves make nice cattle feed. The flowers can be used to make yellow and purple dyes and even paints. Sunflower seed oil is a great olive oil substitute and works nicely as a moisturizer and even a bio-diesel fuel. Even the stem can be used to make paper and cloth. It is no small wonder that the flowers have develop into an indication of well being, happiness and long life.
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