Wild Sunflower
Wild Sunflower
Helianthus annum
Annual
Along the roadsides in the intermountain west, September is a sight to behold. The wild sunflowers are blooming and it's like driving through a dream. I have so many memories of traveling in fall and marveling at the wild sunflowers - especially during sunset. What a glorious plant. I've loved them all my life, when I lived down below and now up here on the mountain. I never get tired of them.
Plant the seeds 1/4" deep, they love full sun and are hardy to zone 3. Give them their own place to play as they can reach heights of 8', depending on conditions and wind protection. The plant will branch out and cover itself in blooms. Pollinators, hawk-moths, hummingbirds and songbirds all love sunflowers. So do I.