Stunning Sunflowers

There's actually 70 different species of sunflowers. Sixty-seven are native to North America, and three are native to South America. Most of them are perennials, however, gardeners usually grow a domesticated variety, because the perennials can become invasive and spread where they're not wanted. The American Indian first domesticated the plant, and it was a common crop for them. Some archaeologist believe that the sunflower might have been domesticated before corn.

Today, sunflowers can be grown as a cash crop, but not all sunflowers are prolific. Whorled sunflowers were put on the endangered list in 2014 and are protected. They grow six feet tall and usually grow around forests, beside creeks, or on moist plains.

The seeds of the plant are considered a food source by birds and humans. Not only are they a healthy snack, but the oil can be used as any vegetable oil and is healthier than some. There's evidence that the American Indian squeezed out the oil and used it in making bread. They also ground the seeds into a flour.

Early, non-food uses for the plant included purple dyes for textiles, painting, and decorations. Parts of the plant had medicinal uses, like treating snakebites and making other topical ointments. The oil was used to keep the skin and hair healthy. The plant and seeds might also be used in ceremonies, and dried stalks could be used as a building material.

Most sunflowers have bright yellow petals and darker centers. A few species have a reddish tint. The dazzling plant draws attention because of its beauty and the size of its flowers. Fields of the bright flowers are certainly eye-catching.

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