Marvelous, medicinal wonders of science in your yard SUNFLOWERS

By Stephanie Hughes

OSU Extension Service

Sunflowers are amazing as well as a wonder of science.

There are more than 60 varieties, and some are multi-stalked.

It is the national flower of Russia.

To begin, they are monocots, meaning they have a one-portion seed and the plant is characterized by groups of three.

The plant grows usually from a single hairy stalk that is made up of pith, similar to cornstalks.

The flowers themselves are a marvel.

Although we see one flower, the blossom is comprised of 1,000-2,000 individual disk-complete (both male and female) flowers in the center, and the outer edge is a border of sterile ray flowers.

The blossoms as well as the seeds are arranged in spirals going to the left and to the right.

Each floret is situated 137.5 degrees, or the golden angle, making the pattern of interconnecting spirals.

The Fibonacci numbers of 34 in one direction and 55 in the other, or on large blossoms, 89 and 144, that continue to amaze and baffle scientists.

What this all means is that this pattern allows for the most-efficient packing of seeds mathematically possible within each flower head. Beautiful math lessons for our little ones.

The sunflower loves to grow in the sun, of course.

When young, before they begin to bloom, sunflowers follow the sun. Each morning they are situated to follow the sun all day until sunset.

As the buds begin to open, the plant stays in the noon day sun, steadfast, unyielding, set, for the reproduction to make seeds.

The plant itself has allelopathic properties. This means it absorbs poisons out of the soil and water that can be injurious to other life.

It takes toxic ingredients out (such as lead, arsenic, etc.) and makes the soil or water safe.

The oil is known to heal horses of infections.

The seeds of the sunflower are packed with oils and are an important food for people and animals: sunflower butter (much like peanut butter), cosmetics, flour, plastics, forage for animals, birds, livestock, and, of course, people.

Other important facts about these fascinating flowers:

North and South Dakota boast 85 percent of America’s production.

80 percent of the value of sunflowers is oil production.

Sunflowers can surpasses corn in quality of silage.

They make a great biofuel due to their ability to grow in many soil types and they use less added nutrients than traditional crops.

It is simple to raise sunflowers in your home garden.

They love full sun and water in addition to well-drained soil.

If they get too tall, simply add a stake.

They are low maintenance, but the enjoyment and pleasure of seeing them in the garden is invaluable.

They are great for children because of the basic connections to science and the sun.

Watch this video to learn about growing and new cultivars: go.osu.edu/sunflowervideo.

To learn about sunflowers as a biofuel, go to http://go.osu.edu/sunfuel.