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Sunflower or weed #717559

Asked August 25, 2020, 5:56 PM EDT

Hello, This same plant grew last year and had no flower at the time other sunflowers had bloomed. Is this a sunflower or 6 foot weed? Is there a chance it could develop a flower?

Baltimore City County Maryland

Expert Response

The sunflower family is large, and many species fall under the category of "sunflower" as a common name. It is also not uncommon for them to grow to this height or even taller. This could be a species of Helianthus, the most commonly-encountered of the sunflowers, but we cannot be more certain until it flowers. (Even then, they can be challenging to tell apart because they are so similar.) Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) is one possibility as it is known to be a bit weedy in MD. While native to much of the U.S., it is unclear whether or not it is considered truly native to MD as various sources seem to disagree on its original native range.

Most perennial sunflowers bloom late in the year; Jerusalem Artichoke, for instance, doesn't bloom until mid-September or so into October. If this plant is old enough to flower, you may see buds developing in the next few weeks. When it blooms, you're welcome to send an updated photo for another attempt at ID, which you can attach to a reply here.

Miri
Thank you for your interesting, helpful and hopeful information. I look forward to sending an update. 
The Question Asker Replied August 26, 2020, 12:38 PM EDT
Thank you for your interesting, helpful and hopeful information. I look forward to sending an update. 
The Question Asker Replied August 26, 2020, 12:38 PM EDT

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