Family history

The phylogenetic tree was based upon the classification of Helianthus annuus, which is largely based upon morphological characteristics.  The closest relatives of the common sunflower are those of the species Helianthus, including other sunflower varieties such as: swamp sunflower, western sunflower, Arizona sunflower, purple-disk sunflower, serpentine sunflower, and lakeside sunflower among others.  Other close relatives which share the same Genus, Helianthus include: daisy, aster, desert marigold, ox eye, thistle, and black-eyed-susans among others.

This phylogenetic tree features some of the more closely related species which fall into the the Family Asteraceae or the Genus Helianthus. The tree is based upon claudistic features, the reasons for placement into the Family Asteraceae or Genus Helianthus can be found in the Classification page.

Find out more information about some close related species like the English Daisy, which shares the similar classification through the Family Asteraceae (Compositae).  The Dandelion which also shares classification through Family Asteraceae.  The Venus Fly Trap shares similar characteristics through the Class Magnoliopsida.