Helianthus annuus

Helianthus annuus

Nectary

Helianthus annuus (common names: sunflower and common sunflower)

There are many varied and colorful choices of sunflowers but not all produce pollen. Common Sunflower stands tall as an excellent choice for bees who favor this open-pollinated variety along with butterflies and birds. Plant a flowering drought and heat-tolerant fence with its 1’ wide blossoms, lemon-yellow petals, chocolaty center, and large heart-shaped leaves.

Especially popular with Diadasia enavata and other native bees, Helianthus annuus ‘Lemon Queen’ is a natural fast-growing hybrid and the sunflower of choice for The Great Sunflower Project, the largest Citizen Science project focused on pollinators. More than 100,000 citizen-scientists across North America are collecting data to help San Francisco State University biologists understand the reasons and impact of struggling bee populations.