Sunflower
Helianthus annuus
A popular garden ornamental in European and American gardens since colonial times, the annual sunflower, Helianthus annuus, is a North American species cultivated and harvested for food by Native Americans for centuries.
While Jefferson took great interest in plants, such as sesame and olive trees, that produced useful oils, there is no indication that he recognized such a benefit in the Sunflower. His listing of it as one of the "Hardy perennial flowers" sown at Monticello in September 1771, seems to show that he grew it for its large and striking flower, a quality that keeps it in ornamental gardens today.
In Bloom at Monticello is made possible by support from The Richard D. and Carolyn W. Jacques Foundation.
When you're here...
Between April and October, all house tours come with a free guided Garden Tour, or you can explore the grounds on your own with the Bloomberg Connects App
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Heirloom Seeds and Plants from the Monticello collection
Plant history in your gardens with seeds and plants from Monticello and the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants.
