Sunflower

Helianthus annuus

Layer 4 · Herbaceous
Edible companion

Status by region

No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.

Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).

Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.

About

Fast-growing annual plant native to North America, famous for its large yellow inflorescences. Produces highly nutritious seeds for human consumption and birdlife. Acts as an excellent summer resource for pollinators.

It is harvested now — September is one of the harvest months.

See which trees sunflower grows well with

These trees share this species' soil and climate — the pairing is inferred from conditions, not from a guild we have already seen.

Cork oak

No account needed.

Needs

Water: Medium
Light: Full sun
Size: Herbaceous annual up to 3 m
Mature diameter: 0.6 m
Soils: Clay, Loam, Sandy
Climates: Atlantic coast, Inland / Continental, Hot, dry Mediterranean

Calendar

January
February
March — Planting
April — Planting
May — Planting
June
July
August — Harvest
September — Harvest
October — Harvest
November
December

Harvest
Planting

Medicinal use: The seeds are edible and rich in essential oils and nutrients.

Where to buy

Central trees worth considering

May work well together — same soil and climate, complementary layers. We have not seen this combination in a generated guild yet.

Cork oak

May grow well with

Suggestions worked out from growing conditions — same soil and climate, complementary layers and functions. These are not observed guilds; treat them as a starting point to try on your own land.