Descripition: Niger seed comes from a plant called Guizotia abyssinica which is an annual herb grown not only for its seed but its edible oil too. It was cultivated in Ethiopia but is now found growing in other parts of Africa and India. The seed is technically a fruit known as a achene and it is often sold as bird seed Uses: Niger seed has been used for many years in North America as a bird food, particularly for gold finches. It is rich in oils and other nutrients essential for birds and is high in calories. By putting out niger seed you will attract a wide variety of birds to your garden. Botanical Name: Hyoscyamus Family Name: Niger Commericial Part: Seeds