In north Texas, wild sunflowers are everywhere along the highway, and many are in construction sites, farms, and raised beds. Of course, some people grow them for the joy of having this sturdy plant to look at.
The predominant wild sunflower in north Texas is the Maximilian sunflower, a tall perennial with one or more stalks and long, narrow, pale green leaves. It produces large bright yellow flowers up to three inches across in a spiral around the stem. This common urban plant grows from 1 - 10 feet high but is usually around 4 - 6 feet tall.
 Sunflowers are heliotropes (sun lovers), and their flower heads turn to follow the sun as it moves across the sky. They grow best in temperatures between 70 and 78 degrees and can tolerate drought if they receive enough water while their roots are growing. Wild sunflowers don't need to be sown in tilled soil, but ornamental varieties benefit from nutrient-rich tilled soil and weekly watering.
Wild sunflowers have a rich history of practical and cultural significance. Native Americans cultivated sunflowers as a versatile resource, using them for food, oil, dye, and thread. Early pioneers, recognizing their value, often planted sunflowers near their homes. They believed that sunflowers repelled mosquitoes and that bathing in sunflower blossoms could alleviate arthritis pain.
Growing and managing wild sunflowers contributes to the diversity of our land's vegetation and provides seasonal food for wildlife. The next time you see a wild sunflower, turn your head and smile.
Comments