Teddy Bear sunflower hardly looks like a sunflower, except for its size. It looks more like a giant dandelion. This annual produces multiple, bright yellow double flowers measuring 6 inches across on plants only 2 feet tall. The flowers are long-lasting and the plants keep blooming until frost. They make good cut flowers, but the stems are very thick so a wide-mouthed vase is needed. In spite of having hundreds of petals, they do produce seeds.

Helianthus annuus is believed to be native to the southwest states and Mexico. It was spread throughout the country by cultivation many centuries ago. There are 10 perennial species of sunflower native to Illinois, all with smaller yellow flowers.