Sunflowers have a rich history.
They are native to North America but originally found their popularity in Russia. According to the National Sunflower Association, sunflowers were a common crop among American Indians, who used the seeds to make flour and squeezed them for oil. Sunflower oil, high in vitamin E and low in saturated fat, is a healthy addition to diets, according to the American Heart Association.
These flowers are appropriately named, not just for their sunlike appearance but because the heads of sunflowers actually track the sun over the course of a day.
Sunflowers have inspired artistic ventures as well – William Blake’s “Ah, Sunflower!” and Vincent Van Gogh’s Sunflowers series honored the cheerful bloom.
These flowers are fairly easy to grow and maintain, according to Barbara Wolff, assistant manager at Ooltewah Nursery. She offers some helpful hints.