sunflower n : any plant of the genus Helianthus having large flower heads with dark disk florets and showy yellow rays [syn: helianthus]

Sunflower \Sun"flow`er\, n. Any plant of the genus Helianthus; -- so called probably from the form and color of its flower, which is large disk with yellow rays. The commonly cultivated sunflower is Helianthus annuus, a native of America.

The sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is an annual plant in the family Asteraceae, with a large flower head (inflorescence). The stem of the flower can grow up to 3 metres tall, with a flower head that can be 30 cm wide.

Birds and other animals enjoy eating sunflower seeds. Humans like to eat them too, although not all kinds, and often they are covered with chocolate, salt, or honey. Other types of sunflowers include the California Royal Sunflower, which has a burgundy (red + purple) flower head.

The sunflower is the state flower of Kansas. That is why Kansas is sometimes called the Sunflower State. To grow well, sunflowers need full sun. They grow best in fertile, wet, well-drained soil with a lot of mulch. In commercial planting, seeds are planted 45 cm (1.5 ft) apart and 2.5 cm (1 in) deep. Sunflower "whole seed" (fruit) are sold as a snack food, after roasting in ovens, with or without salt added. Sunflowers can be processed into a peanut butter alternative, Sunbutter. In Germany, it is mixed together with rye flour to make Sonnenblumenkernbrot (literally: sunflower whole seed bread), which is quite popular in German-speaking Europe. It is also sold as food for birds and can be used directly in cooking and salads. Sunflower oil, extracted from the seeds, is used for cooking, as a carrier oil and to produce margarine and biodiesel, as it is cheaper than olive oil. A range of sunflower varieties exist with differing fatty acid compositions; some 'high oleic' types contain a higher level of healthy monounsaturated fats in their oil than Olive oil.

• Sunflower Bank donates over $9,100 to Dodge City schools and students
  Wrapping up the 12th year of the annual ABC Program, Sunflower Bank contributed $9,163 to schools and students in the Dodge City area. Since the inception of the ABC Program in 2001, Sunflower has contributed $51,672 to schools and students in the Dodge City area. Read more on this news related to 'Sunflower'
• Summer Sunflower Growing Contest in Raritan
  The Raritan Economic Development Committee announces its first Summer Sunflower Growing Contest. Raritan Borough residents are invited to come on down to the Nevius Street Bridge to officially enter the contest on Saturday, June 8, between 10:30 a.m. and noon.... Read more on this news related to 'Sunflower'
• Weymouth Farmers Market to open June 22
  A sunflower plant contest and a series of village days are just some of the events residents being offered during the upcoming farmers’ market in Weymouth. T Read more on this news related to 'Sunflower'