common sunflower
Asteraceae

common sunflower

Helianthus lenticularis Douglas ex Lindl.

Indigenous Names: Cheyenne (documented ethnobotanical use), tȟáŋka, Hon-son-a Hon-son-daw
Habitat: prairie; plains; Low meadows, prairies, sometimes disturbed areas. Found on the dry plains from the Rocky Mountains east to the Mississippi River Plants Parts Harvested: Sap
Seasonality: fall; Spring through late summer
Status: Native

Traditional Food Use

Lakota

The seeds are also eaten. | Cheyenne: Seeds eaten roasted or ground into meal.

Kiowa

Seeds chewed into a paste like consistency and eaten.

Medicinal Documentation

Cheyenne

Oil and poultice used for skin conditions.

Kiowa

Coagulated sap chewed, by the elders, to diminish thirst.

Botanical Reference

Parts Documented: seed

Distribution: Native to North American Plains; widespread regional distribution; Native to Great Plains; documented Cheyenne use