Sawtooth Sunflower (Helianthus grosseserratus)

(For informational purposes only, not intended as medical advice)

•The seeds, flower buds & petals are all edible.

•The tubers have been eaten by indigenous groups raw, roasted, or stewed.

•Young leaves and shoots have also been eaten by indigenous groups.

•Prefers full sun

•Can be pruned back in late Spring or Early summer to encourage bushier growth and keep at a desired height

•Spreads aggressively through underground rhizomes so be prepared to maintain it each season or plant it with known companion plants and let it take over a space.

•Thrives in consistently moist soil and full sun

•Able to grow in disturbed & dry soils if consistently watered for the first year until established.

•Seeds are loved by birds and small mammals alike; and can draw pests’s attention away from other plants

•Can absorb toxins from soil and water; acting as a phytoremediator. If using for this purpose, DO NOT EAT; as the plant’s tissues will contain any metals absorbed from the soil. If using for this purpose, cut back the plants in the fall after they’ve gone to seed; and discard the stems. I personally recommend turning them into biochar (there’s an article with more details on my blog page)