Sunflowers Meaning
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA
√ Updated:
March 19, 2010
Sunflowers are symbolic of adoration. Sunflowers turn their heads to the sun, which is the origin of their common name. Sunflowers belong to the genus helianthus, a reference to Helios, the sun god. In the United States, sunflowers are found in the midwest prairies as well as roadsides. The sunflower generally grows in scrub land and dry areas. Sunflowers are native to the Americas and are the state flower of Kansas. Sunflowers bloom from July through September. Sunflowers are traditionally bright yellow with a central disk or reddish brown.
The Inca Indians worshipped the sunflower as a symbol of the sun. Their priestesses wore necklaces of sunflowers made of gold. Spanish explorers took sunflowers back to Spain, where they were cultivated and hybrids were created. Eventually, they were brought to America with European explorers. The Native Americans, however, had their own sunflowers in cultivation along the shores of Lake Huron.
Sunflowers vary widely in size depending on their adaptive genetic make up, but can reach maximum heights of of three to ten feet. Cultivated sunflowers can reach an incredible twenty feet in height. These lofty heights have resulted in the sunflower being symbolic of haughtiness as well as adoration. (Photo courtesy of Jason Pratt, Wikimedia Commons)
Natural History
Sunflowers have recently been bred to produce shorter varieties for garden use. The petals were originally quite small and irregular, so efforts have also been made to increase the size and number of petals. Some double petal varieties have also been created as well as variations in the color of the center (brown to black) and even of the petals (honey, beige, pinkish cream, soft yellow, pale russet).
Historic and Modern Uses
Sunflower seeds are highly edible and are packed with healthy fats, vitamin E, protein, fiber and minerals. Sunflower oil can be used for cooking. Sunflower sprouts can also be eaten and the seed husks can be ground and used as a coffee-like beverage. Sunflowers serve as animal food, too, mainly for cattle and birds. American settlers used the leaves of sunflowers as fodder for their livestock.
The seeds of sunflowers have also been used by Native Americans for blue or black dye and the petals for yellow dye. Fibers from the stalks can be used as cloth. Smaller sunflower varieties are often used as cut flowers for bouquets and flower arrangements.
Sunflower Photos for Projects and Design
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Order Bouquets and Flowers
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References:
Martin, Laura C. Wildflower Folklore. Old Saybrook, Connecticut: The Globe Pequot Press, 1993.
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