Collection: Sunflowers
Helianthus annuus, commonly known as the sunflower, offers a wealth of benefits both ornamentally and nutritionally. Striking, large blooms-featuring vibrant yellow petals and dark centers-add dramatic beauty to gardens, attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, and can serve as natural windbreaks or borders. Nutritionally, the seeds are a powerhouse, rich in healthy fats, protein, vitamins (especially E and B), and minerals like magnesium, making them a valuable snack or ingredient, and a beloved food of birds. Historically, sunflower seeds have been edible since their domestication by Native American tribes around 2000 BC, used for oil, meal, and snacks, with this tradition spreading to Europe by the 16th century. In ancient lore, the Iroquois believed sunflowers sprang from Earth Woman's legs after her death during childbirth, symbolizing life and renewal, while various indigenous cultures revered them as solar deities, reflecting their sun-following nature.
*note: not all sunflowers are in the Helianthus family, the common name is used for lookalike perennials as well!