The Prairie Sunflower is a taproot annual which grows up to four feet tall. Leaves are nearly all alternate, rather than opposite each other on the stem with only a few flower heads are formed. Grows in dry, open places, often by not always in disturbed sites, sometimes, in very sandy soil, at lower elevations up to 1,700 in mountains. Flowers from June to September. Found in Idaho in the upper Snake River Plain.
Food Uses
The seed has an oily texture and may be used raw or cooked. The it can be
ground into a powder and kneaded into seed butter.
Medicinal Uses
The powdered leaves, either on their own or in an ointment, have been used
as a dressing for sores and swellings.