HomeFlower MeaningSunflower: Origin, Meaning & Symbolism

Sunflower: Origin, Meaning & Symbolism

Sunflowers are well-known for how it blooms; the flowers turn their heads to face the sun throughout the day. But what is the meaning of a sunflower? The head of a sunflower is composed of millions of individual flowers converging together. The common sunflower is an annual herb with a rugged fuzzy stem. The flowers come in different colors like brown, yellow, or purple, while the petal-like ray flowers are yellow. The fruit is single-seeded and does not open to release the seed. 

  • Common Name – Sunflower
  • Genus – Helianthus
  • Scientific Name – Helianthus Annuus L

About Sunflowers 

The name sunflower came from its unique behavior to face the sun. An ancient Greek myth of Apollo and Clytie explains why sunflowers turn their head towards the sun. In that story, Clytie is in love with Apollo. At first, he also loved her back, but he fell for Leucothoe later. Out of jealousy and rage, Clytie told Leucothoe’s father about their relationship, and as a punishment, he buried her alive.

To avenge her, Apollo turned her into a sunflower; even in that situation, she still loved him and wanted to spend her days watching him as he, in his chariot, moved the sun across the sky, just like a sunflower moves to face the sun.

Also Read: Types of Sunflowers to Grow

Where did Sunflowers Originate?

The story about sunflower origin is undoubtedly remarkable. Sunflower is aboriginal to North America, but its commercialization took place in Russia. It was only recently that the sunflower returned home after a very circuitous route. But it was the American Indian who first discovered the variety of seed colors, including black, white, red, and black/white stripes.

When do Sunflowers Bloom?

These precious flowers mostly bloom by the mid of the year and can be extended before winter. Blooms can appear in orange, red, and yellow.

Beach sunflower, like common sunflower, is another type that blooms from midsummer through early fall, but it is perennial rather than annual. Yellow blooms appear on its multiple branches.

Sunflower Bouquet

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What are some Sunflower Characteristics? 

  • The common sunflower is beneficial from a financial as well as a decorative point of view. 
  • The leaves are used as hay. 
  • The flowers cause a yellow dye.
  • The seeds retain oil and are used for food. The sweet yellow oil is acquired by compressing the seeds. Sunflower oil cake is used for inventory and poultry feeding. The oil is used to make soap and oil paint colors and as fat. The seeds are edible too.

What Sunflower Represents?

  • According to the myth of Clytie and Apollo, the sunflower mainly represents devotion and faithfulness. Although, the meaning can vary across cultures.
  • In China, people believe sunflowers represent long life, good luck, and energy.
  • To the Native Americans, sunflowers represent yield, reward, and requirement because they provide seeds, dye, and more.
Sunflower Meaning
Sunflower Meaning

Sunflower Symbolism Meaning

The sunflower’s yellow color signifies vibrancy, intellect, and pleasure. The color yellow also traditionally symbolizes companionship.

Sunflowers also illustrate worshiping and loyalty in different religions because of their similarity to the sun, which is associated with spiritual understanding and the desire to seek light and truth. The Incas used sunflowers to indicate the God of the sun and conveyed them to temples for worship. 

Sunflower Spiritual Meaning

These plants are believed to be genuine followers of the sun in terms of spiritual meaning. Many believe even in low light; sunflowers desire to see the sun and turn their head to the sun in worship and devotion.

That’s why these flowers are a symbol of honorable and trustworthy commitment. Although, the spiritual meaning is much more enchanting than the scientific one.

Meaning of Different Colors of Sunflower

Yellow Sunflowers

The Yellow sunflowers look stunning and vibrant to everyone. The yellow color signifies reality, honor, truthfulness, and understanding.

Red Sunflowers

The red sunflowers have attractive red-colored petals with black borders that are unique but very adorable. The red color conveys positivity and power.

Orange Sunflowers

The vibrant orange-colored petals of this sunflower are eye-catchy and charming. These orange sunflowers designate optimistic energy, enthusiasm, good felicity, and joy.

White Sunflowers

White sunflowers are the most occasional variety of the sunflowers, not easily seen. The white-colored sunflowers are not entirely white, rather have a touch of pale yellow color. This sunflower means virtue, new longings, reincarnation, and stability.

Pink Sunflowers

Pink sunflowers are insanely gorgeous and attractive. Anyone can fall in love with this flower variety. The pink-colored sunflowers symbolize healthiness, integrity, recognition, majesty and make an unforgettable impression on people. They are mostly known as the as sunflower meaning in love

Wild Sunflower- State flower of Kansas
Wild Sunflower

State Flower of Kansas

Various forms of sunflower attract blooming lovers and the Wild Sunflower is the state flower of Kansas. The flower can be seen all around the state. Differentiating the species of sunflowers is quite hard, but Kansas has about 11 different species of them. The pride of the state flower of new Kansas is also noticeable everywhere in Kansas. As a symbol of Kansas, the image of the sunflower is also on the state flag and quarter. They have a same-day delivery facility. Also, provide online flower delivery for any occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, mothers day, etc. The florists also offer gift baskets to their customers.

Want to Deliver Flowers in Kansas?

FAQ’s

Why are sunflowers called sunflowers? 

Because they move their head toward the sun.

Do sunflowers follow the sun? 

Yes, spiritually people believe that.

Are sunflowers annuals or perennials? 

Some kinds of sunflowers are annual, like common sunflowers and some are perennials, like beach sunflowers

Where to buy sunflowers flower bouquets?

Visit SnapBlooms, the Best Online Flower Delivery it has some of the finest bouquets of sunflowers for you.

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