Edibility Of Skyscraper Sunflower Leaves

Question

While searching for uses of Skyscraper sunflower leaves, I found many sites that had several healthy food consumption uses. There was only one site that had negative info, saying not to eat them because of bad digestive and skin problems. Could you help me clarify this discrepancy? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

I spent quite a bit of time researching this and while there is plenty of information about growing sunflowers for the oil or the seeds, I only found a couple of reputable sites that mentioned the whole plant was edible. However, I didn't see anything about digestive or skin problems. But it could be that some varieties are more palatable than others. In any case, sunflowers are not toxic, so they should be safe to consume. Historically, sunflowers were used by Indians for food and dyes.

I've grown sunflowers myself, but not the 'Skyscraper' variety, and I wouldn't eat the leaves just because they get buggy quickly, especially by aphids. The leaves also are susceptible to powdery mildew and rust.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/sunflower/are-sunflowers-edible.htm

https://ucanr.edu/sites/poisonous_safe_plants/