Sunflower Helianthus annuus 'Earthwalker'

Names

• Family

  Asteraceae.

• Synonyms

  Earthwalker Sunflower, Earthwalker.

• Common names

  Helianthus annuus.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Sunflower 'Earthwalker', like other members of the sunflower family, is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no significant symptoms related to poisoning because it is not considered poisonous. Ingesting sunflower seeds is common, and they are often consumed as a healthy snack. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could exist, so caution is advised if a person knows they have specific floral allergies.

• To pets

  Sunflower 'Earthwalker' is not toxic to pets including dogs, cats, and horses. It is not expected to cause poisoning if pets ingest parts of this plant. Sunflower seeds are also sometimes used in pet foods as a source of healthy fats. However, it's important to be cautious as large quantities of any non-typical food can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset in pets.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Annuals

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Mixed

• Height

  6 feet (1.8 meters)

• Spread

  3 feet (0.9 meters)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  2-11

• Native area

  North America

General Benefits

• Attracts pollinators: Sunflowers such as 'Earthwalker' attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects which are essential for pollination and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
• Aesthetic appeal: With its striking bronze and gold petals, 'Earthwalker' adds beauty to gardens and landscapes, enhancing visual interest.
• Edible seeds: The seeds of 'Earthwalker' are a source of food for birds and can be harvested for human consumption, offering a healthy snack rich in oils and proteins.
• Soil improvement: As sunflowers grow, their deep roots can help to break up compacted soil, thus improving soil aeration and nutrient cycling.
• Companion planting: Sunflowers like 'Earthwalker' can be used in companion planting to deter pests and provide stalk support for climbing plants such as beans and cucumbers.
• Wildlife support: The plant provides habitat and food sources for wildlife, including birds who feed on the seeds and insects that take nectar from the flowers.
• Educational tool: 'Earthwalker' is often used as an educational plant to teach children about the lifecycle of plants and the importance of insects in agriculture.
• Fall interest: Even after the blooms have faded, the tall structure and seed heads of 'Earthwalker' sunflowers provide interest in autumn landscapes and gardens.
• Cut flowers: 'Earthwalker' is a popular cut flower choice for bouquets and floral arrangements, thanks to its sturdy stems and vibrant colors.

Medical Properties

• Wound Healing: Sunflower oil, which can be obtained from the seeds of Helianthus annuus, has been traditionally used to promote the healing of superficial wounds.
• Antioxidant: The seeds contain vitamin E which is known for its antioxidant properties that can help protect the body from oxidative damage.
• Anti-inflammatory: Sunflower seeds contain compounds that may have anti-inflammatory effects, which might help reduce inflammation in the body.
• Cardiovascular Health: Consuming sunflower seeds, which are rich in unsaturated fats, can contribute to maintaining a healthy lipid profile, potentially supporting heart health.
• Skin Health: Sunflower oil is sometimes used in cosmetic formulations to nourish and moisturize the skin, thanks to its emollient properties.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Helianthus annuus 'Earthwalker', commonly known as the sunflower, can be used to create natural dyes. The petals and seeds can produce a range of colors from bright yellows to deep purples, suitable for dyeing fabrics and fibers.
• In certain regions, the sturdy stalks of sunflowers are used as building materials. They are sometimes mixed with clay to create a light, insulating material for eco-friendly construction.
• The sunflower has been involved in phytoremediation efforts. Due to its deep roots and fast growth, it can extract harmful elements like lead, arsenic, and uranium from polluted soils.
• Bird enthusiasts use sunflowers as a lure in bird gardens. The seeds, particularly those of 'Earthwalker', attract a wide variety of birds due to their high oil content.
• Artists have used dried sunflower stalks as a natural material for sculptures and craft projects, appreciating their textural qualities and strength.
• Leaves of the sunflower can be used as fodder for livestock. They are especially useful as a silage component for ruminant animals like cows and sheep.
• In some cultures, sunflower petals are used to create an infusion for a celebratory drink, adding a floral note to the beverage.
• The dense growth of sunflowers makes them an effective living screen or natural privacy barrier in gardens and landscapes.
• Children's activities often incorporate sunflower seeds and plants. For example, they can be used in educational gardening projects to teach about the lifecycle of plants.
• Ground sunflower seed shells serve as an abrasive in natural cleaning products, helping to scrub away tough dirt without the use of synthetic microbeads.

Feng Shui

The Sunflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Sunflower is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Adoration and Loyalty: The common name for Helianthus annuus is sunflower. Sunflowers are known to turn their heads towards the sun throughout the day, which is reminiscent of steadfast loyalty and adoration, symbolizing how people might turn towards what they love and cherish.
• Longevity: Sunflowers have a robust and sturdy structure, they can grow for a long period during the summer season, thus they are often associated with a long life and vitality.
• Positivity and Strength: With their bright yellow color reminiscent of the sun, sunflowers symbolize happiness, optimism, and the strength that comes from being positive in life.
• Fertility and Productivity: Sunflowers produce numerous seeds, making them a symbol of fertility and productivity, reflecting an abundance of produce or creative output.
• Harvest and Provision: Since sunflowers yield seeds that can be used for food, they are commonly associated with bountiful harvests and the provision of essentials.