Helianthus cusickii

{{Short description|Species of sunflower}}

{{Speciesbox

|image = Helianthus cusickii-5-21-04.jpg

|image_caption =

|genus = Helianthus

|species = cusickii

|authority = Gray

}}

Helianthus cusickii is a species of sunflower known by the common names Cusick's sunflower and turniproot sunflower. It is native to the western United States from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, northern California, and northwestern Nevada.[http://bonap.net/MapGallery/County/Helianthus%20cusickii.png Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution map][http://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=4044 Calflora taxon report, University of California, Helianthus cusickii A. Gray, Cusick's sunflower ], photos, interactive California distribution map[http://www.pnwflowers.com/flower/helianthus-cusickii Turner Photographics, Helianthus cusickii - Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest ] photos, description, partial distribution map

Helianthus cusickii grows in mountain forests and foothills. This wildflower is a perennial up to 120 cm (4 feet) tall, growing from a thick, fleshy taproot. The lance-shaped leaves reach 15 centimeters (6 inches) in length, and the stem and foliage are often covered in long hairs. The flower heads have a base of long, hairy green phyllaries. The center of the head is filled with at least 40 yellow disc florets surrounded by 12–16 ray florets.[http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=250066876 Flora of North America, Helianthus cusickii A. Gray, 1886. Cusick’s sunflower ]

Some Plateau Indian tribes used the roots to treat erectile dysfunction, wasting, and tuberculosis.{{cite book |last= Hunn |first= Eugene S. |title= Nch'i-Wana, "The Big River": Mid-Columbia Indians and Their Land |publisher=University of Washington Press |year= 1990 |isbn= 0-295-97119-3| page=353}}