RHOMBIC-LEAVED SUNFLOWER:

Once common in the Edmonton area, this perennial species is now limited in its range.  Forming small colonies over time, this specimen spreads by short rhizomes under the soil.  Growing to 100 cm or more, the plants produce typical sunflower heads with a dark centre – flowers appear in late June and continue until August.  Immature seed heads attract many seed-eating birds, especially the American Goldfinch.  Full sun and average soils work well.  Seeds can be direct sown in late fall, early spring or started indoors after a 3-4 week moist stratification period.  Cover the seeds with 1 cm of soil.    60 seeds.    NF 785