Sunflower Meaning

Some flowers are heliotropic which means they follow the sun's movement across the sky from east to the west. The sunflower does belong to the heliotropic species but it's a myth that a sunflower always follows the sun.

It's actually only the buds and leaves of the sunflower which display this wonderful sun turning behavior. Once a sunflower head has flowered or come into bloom, it is no longer heliotropic and stays facing the east where the sun rises every day.

Apparently this whole behavioral pattern is scientific and has much to do with some special stem cells which are just beneath the bud of the sunflower. The leaves of a sunflower are phototropic which means they are merely responding with growth in the direction of a light source.

Sunflower Oil: sunflower oil was first mass produced in Russia (Native Americans used sunflower oil before this) and is now widely used as a healthier version of vegetable cooking oil which has a low saturated (unhealthy) fat content. You can use sunflower oil for baking, frying, as a butter replacement in many cakes and puddings and for salad oil. Sunflower oil can also be used as a massage oil or for beauty preparations because it is light, non-greasy and good for the skin.

Sunflower Seeds: these can be eaten as part of a very healthy snack, sprinkled on top of salads or used in cakes for an excellent source of vitamin E. You can eat sunflower seeds as they are or roasted for added flavor. Sunflower seeds have many health benefits and are a brilliant addition to your diet.

Sunflowers as Bird Seed: Black-Oil Sunflower Seed, Hulled Sunflower Seed or Striped Sunflower Seed are all types of bird seed which you can use. Out of theses, Black-Oil Sunflower Seed is said to be the premium seed which will help to attract more varieties of birds into your garden. These have softer and thinner shells which the birds can open more easily to extract the goodness within.

Sunflowers as Flowers: sunflowers make for a very bold and striking bouquet. Not just yellow, you can now buy sunflowers with orange and red petals. The combination of all these colors is just stunning. Beautiful as a simple and unfussy wedding bouquet or as celebratory flowers which instantly cheer any home.

Sunflowers as a Dye: sunflower petals can make natural dyes which range in color from yellow to orange or a light tan. Sunflower seeds can also be used for natural dye, particularly the Hopi dye variety which can produce grey to dark purple shades.

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