SUNFLOWER (probably so called from its yellow radiate disk), Helianthus. A genus of large herbs of the order Composite, containing numerous, mostly perennial species, all natives of America. The common sunflower annuus), an annual, one of the most important species, is a native of the tropics, where it some times attains a height of 20 feet and produces flower heads from 1 to 2 feet in diameter. In temperate climates it grows from 5 to 8 feet high. This species has become widely dis tributed throughout the United States as a weed, especially in the West and the Southwest. It was introduced into Europe about the middle of the sixteenth century. In Egypt. India, and Southern Europe, especially in Russia, the plant is grown for its seeds, which are eaten like nuts, and their oil, which is used for culinary purposes. The oil is also used in the manufacture of varnishes on account of its drying properties, which, however, are inferior to those of linseed oil. It is also used in soap-making and other manufactures. Sunflowers are cultivated some what in the United States and Canada for orna ment, for forage, and for seed. On light, well drained, weRtilled, and fertile soil a yield of from 30 to 50 bushels of seed per acre may be ob tained. The preparation of the soil and its sub
sequent cultivation is similar to that for corn, but the distance between plants in the row should be from 12 to 16 inches. From 10 to 15 pounds of seed is required per acre. The heads are har vested shortly before they are thoroughly ripe to prevent loss of seed. Before storing they are carefully dried to prevent molding. The seeds are threshed out with flails.
family Centrarehidre (q.v.). All are of small size, six to ten inches long, oval in shape, and much compressed. All are excellent eating. They arc brightly colored, especially in the breed ing season, and may be known by the black flap to the posterior edge of the gill-cover. Their The whole plant and the seeds have been used to a limited extent as a feeding stuff', especially mixed with horse beans and corn fodder for mak ing silage. The seed is frequently fed to poultry. The oil cake is fed especially in Northern Europe to fatten animals.
Sunflower stalks are useful as fuel when other materials are not abundant.