Sunflower
(Heliathus annus)

Sunflowers are one of the most common wildflowers in the Kansas City area -- every one recognizes them.  Their seeds are rich in protein and oil and are a dietary mainstay of birds and small mammals.

Sunflowers got their name because the flowers always turn their faces to the sun -- the flowers actually move during the day.  This is call solar tracking or heliotropism.