The Sunflower

(Helianthus annuus)
Annual plant

 A symbol of devotion and loyalty (Dutch literature).

Did you know that the head of a sunflower is not a single flower, but rather a "composite flower"?  This "flower head" is comprised of 1000 to 2000 small flowers (florets) tightly compacted together.  The outer florets are sterile and vary in color.  The remaining florets mature into seeds.  The sunflower got it's name because it fallows the sun (phototropic) during the day.  There are over 60 species of sunflowers.

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In 1903 the sunflower became the state flower of Kansas.
Inspired Van Gogh's famous still life, Sunflowers

"And here the sunflower of the spring
Burns bright in morning's beam."

Ebenezer Elliott.