Extremely common on the edges of highways and dirt roads, farm fields, and in home gardens (often planted one year but reseed, or grow from dropped birdseed). Same species as the classic sunflower, but a wilder variety with a black/brown center and smaller petals than commercially-bred sunflowers. Somewhat drought tolerant, but prefers areas that collect a bit of runoff water. Much taller than Boulder´s native wild sunflower (Helianthus pumilus), with larger leaves and flowers, and brown/black flower centers.