Sunflowers have been an important part of cultures around the world for centuries, these beautiful large yellow flowers are not always harvested only for their beauty.
The scientific name of the sunflower is Helianthus Annuus, a member of the aster family, it is a native plant of North America. The flower turns as it follows the movement of the sun each day. It became the state flower of Kansas in 1903, however it is not only exclusive to that state as large crops of sunflowers are grown in many states.
Native Americans were the first to discover the many uses of the sunflower centuries ago. It was considered the 4th sister when planting their traditional crops of corn, beans and squash, as it was planted on the north side of the garden. Buffalobird-women of the Hidatsa Indian Tribe told about the sunflower and how she planted it each year in her garden in Minnesota during the late 1800's. The sunflower seeds were the first thing planted each spring in early April during the Sunflower planting moon, and they were the last to be harvested in the fall. She would take the large sunflower heads and lay them face down on the roof to dry.
The seeds were then roasted, parched and then pounded creating an oily textured meal to make a dish that included four vegetables called do'patsa-makihi'kĕ. 
The large leaves of the sunflower plant were used as a lid to cover squash as it cooked. The sunflower meal was also used to make sunflower seed balls that warriors carried with them. A few bites would refresh and give them energy. The whole sunflower seeds were stored in cache pits with the other vegetables for use during the winter months. Native Americans were the first culture aware of the value and many uses of the sunflower. The stalks were used in basket weaving, the yellow flower as a dye and along with using it as a food source, they used the oil harvested from pounding for their hair and other uses.
It was during the 16th century that Spanish explores returned to Europe with the sunflower, where it became known as a popular ornate flower. A new use for Sunflowers was discovered in 1716 when the English created a process to squeeze the oil from the seeds. 
The sunflowers eventually found their way to Russia, where they are credited with developing them into a food crop. In the 18th century sunflowers in Russia were harvested for their oil, and by the 19th century they had become the major exporter of Sunflower oil in the world.
Today there are three types of sunflower oil manufactured NuSun, linoleic and high oleic, each one has it own unique benefits. Sunflower oil and seeds are consumed in a variety of foods by people in many counties. There are many nutritional benefits from the seeds and the oils. The oils are rich in vitamin E as are the seeds. Sunflower seeds are also a great source of folate and other vitamins and minerals. They provide quick energy along with protein and fiber.
In the United States, farmers began to raise sunflowers as a feed crop in 1880, yet it remained a just a minor crop until the 1970's when the hybrid was created. The sunflower then grew in popularity as a food source for humans. It also became a favorite summer flower to plant in home and commercial gardens.
There are many different colors and sizes of sunflower plants available today for a variety of uses. Beautiful large bloom sunflowers are grown for flower arrangements. Some plants produce the best sunflower seeds for birds and human consumption, while other seeds produce a large amount of oil.
During the past one hundred years the sunflower has been incorporated into home and farm decor. Sunflowers are also used to decorate personal fashions
and accessories.
Wild Seed FarmsVelvet-Queen Sunflower
Sunflower art in Kansas ~ aerial photo of a field planted with sunflowers
Sunflower art in Kansas ~ aerial photo of a field planted with sunflowers
Advice from a Sunflower - item # 996 t shirt
Vintage Sunflowers Collectionby Hobbyhawkgifts
The large sunflower is a favorite for artists as they have re-create the bright colorful blooms using a variety of mediums for years. Drawings and paints of sunflowers create wonderful pictures for home decor and gifts. Artists also have used clay, metal,wood and paper to create beautiful sunflower forms.
The sunflower has been a favorite design to stitch into many needle crafts items through the years.
It is a popular design to crochet and knit. The flower has been stitched into a variety of embroidery items over the years.
It is a popular design to crochet and knit. The flower has been stitched into a variety of embroidery items over the years.
Unidentified Artist, Sunflowers and Hearts,
1860-1880, cotton, American Folk Art Museum, New York
Today there are many fabrics designs made with sunflowers to create wonderful items.
Sunflowers shapes
are a favorite design pattern to create art quilts.
Show Off Sunflower
Here are a few more sunflower items made from fabric a pincushion and a fabric bowel.
Sunflower Theme Weddings
Sunflowers have become a favorite flower for summer and fall wedding themes. The large yellow flower provides a beautiful accent for the wedding decor and fashions for the bride and attendants.
Hippie hair wreath - sunflower hair wreath
Sunflowers Wedding Collection
by Hobbyhawkgifts
Sunflower Quilt Free Motion quilting
Brown Paper Sunflowers
Sunflower art
Dee Carpenterel-grande Sunflower
http://shop.wildseedfarms.com/Velvet-Queen/productinfo/3601/
Show off sunflower 2013
