Helianthus cusickii is a species of sunflower known by the common names Cusick's sunflower and turniproot sunflower. It is native to the western United States from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, northern California, and northwestern Nevada.[1][2][3]
| Helianthus cusickii | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Helianthus |
| Species: | H. cusickii
|
| Binomial name | |
| Helianthus cusickii | |
Helianthus cusickii grows in mountain forests and foothills. This wildflower is a perennial up to 120 cm (4 feet) tall, growing from a thick, fleshy taproot. The lance-shaped leaves reach 15 centimeters (6 inches) in length, and the stem and foliage are often covered in long hairs. The flower heads have a base of long, hairy green phyllaries. The center of the head is filled with at least 40 yellow disc florets surrounded by 12–16 ray florets.[4]
Some Plateau Indian tribes used the roots to treat erectile dysfunction, wasting, and tuberculosis.[5]
References
edit- ^ Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution map
- ^ Calflora taxon report, University of California, Helianthus cusickii A. Gray, Cusick's sunflower , photos, interactive California distribution map
- ^ Turner Photographics, Helianthus cusickii - Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest photos, description, partial distribution map
- ^ Flora of North America, Helianthus cusickii A. Gray, 1886. Cusick’s sunflower
- ^ Hunn, Eugene S. (1990). Nch'i-Wana, "The Big River": Mid-Columbia Indians and Their Land. University of Washington Press. p. 353. ISBN 0-295-97119-3.
External links
edit- Jepson Manual Treatment
- United States Department of Agriculture Plants Profile
- University of Washington, Burke Museum, Washington Profile and Photos
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