Sunflowers

Sunflowers are one of the most recognizable flowers in the world. They have big, bright yellow petals around a dark center full of seeds. Sunflowers can grow up to 12 feet tall! They are native to North America.

Following the Sun

Young sunflowers actually turn to face the sun as it moves across the sky. This is called heliotropism. In the morning, they face east, and by evening, they face west. Once they are fully grown, they stay facing east. The warmth attracts more bees for pollination.

Seeds and Uses

Sunflower seeds are a healthy snack full of vitamins. They are also used to make sunflower oil for cooking. Each sunflower head can contain up to 2,000 seeds! Sunflowers are also used to clean up polluted soil because they absorb toxins.

Fun Facts

• A single sunflower can have up to 2,000 seeds.
• Young sunflowers follow the sun across the sky.
• Sunflowers can absorb radioactive contamination from soil.

Did You Know?

Sunflowers were grown by Native Americans over 4,500 years ago. They used every part of the plant for food, medicine, dye, and building materials!