Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Tuesday - March 22, 2005
From: Lawrence, KS
Region: Midwest
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Smarty Plants on Helianthus annuus
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I am doing an Earth Fair project on the Helianthus annuus. I would like to know if you possibly had any information on this subject. Some of the things I would like to know are: How big does it get? How long does it live? What eats it? Where does it live (habitat and climate requirements)? What laws protect it? Does it have economic value? How does it protect itself? Is it poisonous to humans? other animals? How does it reproduce? What species of plants and animals would you expect to find in the same area as where it lives? why? Is it common in Kansas? What parts is it most common to? What time of year are you most likely to see them? Where other than Kansas can they be found? Is it maintaining a stable population in Kansas? Other places in it's range?ANSWER:
You can find the answer to most of your questions by reading the entry in the Native Plants Database on the Wildflower Center web page about Helianthus annuus, common sunflower. Be sure to check the information under the Menu categories (Benefits, Bloom, Characters, etc.) at the top of the page. Another source to check is the Kansas State University web page of Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses.
For questions concerning the populations of common sunflowers in Kansas, you might contact the:
Kansas Wilflower Society
R. L. McGregor Herbarium
University of Kansas
2045 Constant Avenue
Lawrence, KS 66047-3729
From the Image Gallery
More Wildflowers Questions
Signs designating wildflower areas
September 17, 2007 - I belong to a large homeowners association in Keller, TX. We've created a large wildflower area and need a sign to designate it. Where can I find wildflowers signs ? We want to alert residents to ...
view the full question and answer
Native flowering plants for Frisco, Texas
August 12, 2015 - Hi There, I recently moved from Ohio, Cleveland to TX, Frisco. Could you please suggest me native flowering plants in my back yard and front yard. I like different flowers.
view the full question and answer
Source for dotted blue-eyed grass from Saluda SC
February 23, 2013 - I lived in Texas for several years and now live on acreage in South Carolina. I have heard that bluebonnets don't grow well in South Carolina. However, there is a place by the road near our house t...
view the full question and answer
Wildflower Garden for a June wedding in Pepper Pike OH
February 24, 2013 - Greetings, We have a grand idea to plant a wildflower garden for an outdoor wedding in June. Located in Pepper Pike, Ohio at the home of the groom. They have a large property and we wondered what woul...
view the full question and answer
What is blooming in NJ in Late November?
November 27, 2015 - I am a beekeeper in Edison, NJ. My bees are still bringing pollen even this late in the season (Thanksgiving). What plants or trees are still blooming? The color of the pollen is a pale yellow.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |