Cusick's sunflower facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cusick's sunflower
Scientific classification
Genus:	Helianthus
Species:	cusickii

Helianthus cusickii, also known as Cusick's sunflower or turniproot sunflower, is a type of sunflower. It grows naturally in the western parts of the United States. You can find it in states like Washington, Oregon, Idaho, northern California, and northwestern Nevada.

What is Cusick's Sunflower?

Cusick's sunflower is a wild plant that grows in mountain forests and the areas near them, called foothills. It's a perennial, which means it lives for more than two years. This sunflower can grow quite tall, sometimes up to 120 centimeters (about 4 feet)!

How Does it Grow?

This plant has a special root system. It grows from a thick, fleshy taproot, which is a large main root that grows straight down into the soil. Think of it like a carrot, but for a sunflower!

What Does it Look Like?

• Leaves: The leaves of Cusick's sunflower are shaped like a lance, which means they are long and narrow, widest in the middle. They can be up to 15 centimeters (about 6 inches) long. Both the stem and the leaves often have many long hairs, making them feel a bit fuzzy.
• Flowers: The flower heads are very interesting. They have a base made of long, hairy green parts called phyllaries. The middle of the flower head is packed with at least 40 small yellow flowers called disc florets. Around these, there are usually 12 to 16 larger, yellow petal-like flowers called ray florets. This gives the sunflower its classic look!