About Helianthus cusickii A.Gray
Helianthus cusickii A.Gray, a species of sunflower, has the common names Cusick's sunflower and turniproot sunflower. It is native to the western United States, where it occurs in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, northern California, and northwestern Nevada. It grows in mountain forests and foothills. This perennial wildflower reaches up to 120 cm (4 feet) in height, and grows from a thick, fleshy taproot. Its lance-shaped leaves grow to 15 centimeters (6 inches) in length, and the stem and foliage are often covered in long hairs. Its flower heads have a base made of long, hairy green phyllaries. The center of each flower head contains at least 40 yellow disc florets, which are surrounded by 12 to 16 ray florets. Some Plateau Indian tribes used the roots of this plant to treat erectile dysfunction, wasting, and tuberculosis.
