<previous next>

Spearleaf Sunflower

Flower type: Annual (Stores water in its leaves)

This massive flower grows up to 11.3 feet (3.5 meters) tall. Its silver stems grow in bunches of 8 and are thin and straight, and the giant, yellow-green leaves are spear shaped with wavy edges. Many leaves grow along the entire length of the stem.

Two giant flowers sit at the end of each stem. The flowers are 112 cm (44.1 inches) wide, with petals that are black at the sides and olive at the center. The flower head is largely flat with several raised round-tipped petals. They detach easily.

It has a delicate scent that smells like rotting meat, and it has very little pollen. It is pollinated by a small species of bird, but is also particularly attractive to butterflies.

It spreads easily and often blanket large areas.
It is difficult to kill and will quickly regrow if cut.
It is suitable for creating fine, soft textiles