Seven Fun Facts About Sunflowers
It’s easy for us to wax poetic about sunflowers. The bright yellow blooms spark joy, and their subtle scent may remind you of freshly cut hay. Of course, you don’t need to be from Kansas to revel in their beauty. Here are seven fun facts to help you grow your admiration for this sunny plant.
1. The sunflower was named Kansas’ state flower in 1903.
That’s right: The sunflower has been a Kansas symbol for more than a century. A state senator from Council Grove drafted the official bill of designation, and it was signed by Governor Willis Bailey. At the time, our neighbors to the north were considering the sunflower for their own state flower, but after Kansas made it official, Nebraska chose the goldenrod instead.
2. Young sunflowers move their heads to follow the sun.
A newly sprouted sunflower begins the day facing east, greeting the sun as it crests the horizon. As the sun travels west across the sky, the flower’s head follows. At night, the bloom slowly resets and is in the ready position (east) the next morning. This tracking of the sun is called “heliotropism.”
3. Mature sunflowers face east.
Once a sunflower is fully grown, it no longer needs to track the sun. Long story short: A growing flower’s movement optimizes its circadian rhythm and boosts pollination, but when it’s done growing, those cycles aren’t needed.
4. Not all sunflowers are yellow.
While we certainly picture a field of golden beauties, sunflowers come in many shades. Their petals can be red, brown, white and even multicolored!
5. Many famous artists have used the sunflower as their muse.
You’ve probably seen Vincent van Gogh’s iconic paintings of sunflowers, among the most recognizable pieces of art in the world. But he wasn’t the only master to be inspired by the flower’s beauty. Paul Gauguin, a friend of van Gogh’s, captured van Gogh painting sunflowers himself (pretty meta, right?). And while Claude Monet is best known for his water lilies, he also tried his hand at painting sunflowers. And, of course, Goodland brings it home with Three Sunflowers in a Vase, a Big Easel Project based on van Gogh’s iconic sunflower series.
6. The tallest sunflower on record was more than 35 feet tall.
Alex Babich of Fort Wayne, Indiana, holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest sunflower. The height was achieved in September 2025, and it blew the previous record of 30 feet, 1 inch out of the soil.
7. Sunflowers are featured in mythology.
In Greek mythology, a water nymph named Clytie fell in love with Apollo, the sun god. Versions of her downfall vary, but ultimately, Clytie was driven mad by Apollo’s rejection. She languished on earth, thirsty and starving, moving only her head to watch as Apollo flew across the sky. Eventually, she was transformed into a sunflower.
Craving more knowledge? Check out our article digging deeper into why Kansas is the Sunflower State.
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