Description
Sunflowers are native to North America and the Native Americans were the first to domesticate the plant. In the Southwest the plant was used as early as 3000 BC. Seed was ground and pounded into flour for cakes, mush, and bread.
Sunflowers were taken to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 1500s. By the early 19th century, Russian breeding programs developed the plant further and Russian farmers grew over 2 million acres of sunflowers primarily for oil and seed. Only recently did the sunflower return to North America to become a cultivated crop.
Sunflowers may obtain heights of 12 feet and their large, showy heads produce hundreds of edible seeds, attracting birds and butterflies. The cheerful sunflower faces have become a symbol for optimism, productivity, and beauty.
artwork and text by Steve Sierigk © 2001
