Sunflowers - Worshipping the Sun(Internet dictionary of flowers)
Posted by: All of Flower in Internet Dictionary Of FlowersFlowers accompany us in every major event in life–birth, marriage, holidays, graduations, illness, and finally death. Since antiquity, flowers have been associated with symbolic meaning. Historically, entire gardens have been created based on the inner meaning of the flowers. Many florists today provide information on the meanings of flowers to encourage this practice. Charts of flowers and their associated symbolism help modern gardeners and gift-givers to “say it with flowers.”
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.
Sunflowers are native to the Americas and are the state flower of Kansas. The sunflower generally grows in scrubland and dry areas. Sunflowers vary widely in size depending on their adaptive genetic make up, but can reach maximums heights of about 10′.
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).
Sunflower seeds are packed with healthy fats, vitamin E, protein, fiber and minerals. Sunflower oil can be used for cooking. Sunflowers serve as animal food, too, mainly for cattle and birds. The seeds of sunflowers have also been used by Native Americans for blue or black dye and the petals for yellow dye.
Smaller sunflower varieties are often used as cut flowers for bouquets and flower arrangements. Try planting sunflowers along a fence or at the back of your garden for a beautiful, highly useful addition to your garden!
By Kathleen Karlsen
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