When you think of the daisy family (Asteraceae), the tallest and perhaps showiest late-summer flower
— the sunflower — may come to mind. This is the largest family of flowering plants on Earth, with over
35,000 species spread across every continent except Antarctica. The name “Aster” means “star,” a no
to the ray-like petals radiating from the center.
What appears to be a single flower is actually an illusion: each sunflower, daisy, or aster head is a dense cluster of many tiny flowers, called florets, working together to attract pollinators and produce seeds.
The sunflower (Helianthus annuus), native to North America, is famous for its size (the tallest on record reached over 30 feet!) and edible seeds. Young sunflower heads are heliotropic — they follow the sun from east to west during the day, then turn back east to greet the morning. Once mature, the flower faces east permanently, which is a striking sight in a large field.
Sunflowers are also used for phytoremediation — they can pull heavy metals from the soil and even
absorb radioactive elements. Their seeds are rich in healthy fats, protein, and key nutrients such as
vitamin E, thiamin (B1), magnesium, and selenium. Besides eating the seeds whole, sunflower butter
makes a delicious toast spread.
Sunflower oil is a favourite for making herb-infused oils and salves because it’s light in texture, pale in
colour, and mild in scent — absorbing quickly into the skin without a greasy feel.

Family Members

There is a strong family resemblance among many members of the Aster family, especially the classic daisy shape. Botanically, there are about a dozen subfamilies and various tribes within this large family.
Many are familiar friends in our gardens, meadows, and medicine cabinets:

• New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) – A brilliant purple wildflower that brightens late summer and fall, long after many other blooms have faded. Traditionally used to support lung health.
• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) – Loved and loathed in equal measure. Every part is useful: leaves as a mineral-rich tonic, roots for liver support, flowers for fritters and wine.
• Chicory (Cichorium intybus) – True-blue wildflowers line roadsides in summer. The roasted root has been used as a coffee substitute and shares liver-tonic qualities with dandelion.
• Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) – One of the most popular medicinal plants in the world; tea soothes digestion, calms the nerves, and supports sleep.
• Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) – A close second to chamomile in popularity, echinacea is a key immune-support herb. I strongly encourage keeping the tincture on hand for all occasions, fresh herb tincture best.
• Ragweed (Ambrosia spp.) – The bane of many allergy sufferers; small, green, wind-pollinated flowers release huge amounts of airborne pollen in late summer.
• Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) – Bright yellow blooms light up fields at the same time ragweed blooms, leading to wrongful blame for allergies. Goldenrod is insect-pollinated and does not release pollen to the wind. I use it for sinus support, seasonal allergies, urinary support and as a pleasant, aromatic tea.
• Lettuce (Lactuca sativa and wild lettuce L. virosa) – We can thank this family for our salad greens. Wild lettuce is used as a remedy for pain and insomnia.
• Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) – Looks a lot like chamomile. It is a bitter, aromatic digestive aid. I use it in formulas when there is pain and inflammation, and for headaches.

Other favourites in this family include burdock, yarrow, calendula, wormwood and mugwort.

From beautifying our gardens to stocking our kitchens and apothecaries, the sunflower family is truly everywhere. See how many you can count while they brighten our landscape late into the fall.

You’ll meet many of these and more in my in-depth herbalism courses, Holistic Herbal Wellness. In Level 2, we look more closely at plants in relation to their families.

See all my Holistic Herbal Wellness courses here. Courses start every September.