In the Community: What's In Bloom
Rhombic-Leaved Sunflower (Helianthus laetiflorus var. subrhomboideus)
This large showy plant is common along roadsides and edges of fields. The large yellow flower heads with reddish purple or brownish centres appear August-September as solitary flowers at the end of a 30-90 cm long stem. Unlike most other sunflowers, this species is very drought tolerant. The seeds are much sought after by birds, especially goldfinches, and by people. First Nations people used the sunflower for yellow dye and the sunflower seed oil for cooking. The name rhombic-leaved refers to the even sides and oblique diamond-shaped form of the leaves.
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