Contents
Description
Helianthus Annuus Arikara, commonly known as the Arikara sunflower, is an annual plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is native to North America and has been cultivated for thousands of years by the Arikara tribe of the Great Plains. The plant is known for its large, showy flowers which have a characteristic yellow color and can reach up to 12 inches in diameter. The Arikara sunflower is an important crop plant for its seeds, which are used for oil production and as a food source for birds and humans.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Helianthus |
Appearance
The Arikara sunflower can grow up to 10 feet tall and has a single stem with large, broad leaves that are up to 18 inches long. The flowers are produced at the top of the stem and have a characteristic yellow color with a dark center. The flowers can reach up to 12 inches in diameter and are composed of numerous small individual flowers arranged in a spiral pattern. The plant produces a large number of seeds, which are relatively small and flat.
Care Guide
The Arikara sunflower is a relatively easy plant to care for and requires moderate maintenance. The following care tips are recommended:
- Water: The plant requires regular watering, especially during periods of drought.
- Fertilization: The plant benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to grow and flower properly.
- Hardiness Zones: The Arikara sunflower is hardy in zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Arikara sunflower is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but some common problems include:
- Aphids: These small insects can infest the plant and cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems. It can be controlled with fungicides or by improving air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
The Arikara sunflower is native to North America and is commonly found in the Great Plains region of the United States. It prefers open, sunny areas and can grow in a variety of soil types. The plant is often grown as a crop for its seeds, which are used for oil production and as a food source.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the Arikara sunflower used for?
A: The plant is an important crop plant for its seeds, which are used for oil production and as a food source for birds and humans.
Q: Where is the Arikara sunflower native to?
A: The plant is native to North America and is commonly found in the Great Plains region of the United States.
Q: What is the appearance of the Arikara sunflower?
A: The plant can grow up to 10 feet tall and has large, broad leaves and large, showy flowers with a characteristic yellow color and dark center.
Q: What are some common pests and diseases that affect the Arikara sunflower?
A: Some common pests and diseases include aphids and mildew.
Related Plants
- Helianthus annuus
- Helianthus argophyllus
- Helianthus giganteus
- Helianthus maximiliani
References
- “Helianthus Annuus Arikara.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 17, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a444.
- “Arikara Sunflower.” Native Plant Database. Accessed August 17, 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=HEAN2.
- “Helianthus Annuus.” Plant Database. Accessed August 17, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=HEAN.
