Sunflower Photos

Photos Copyright H. Schuster.  Please ask permission before use.

Domestic Sunflower with Morning Glory vine, Brown County.  Sunflowers are raised commercially for their oil content, for human food, and a surprising quantity go for bird feed.

Domestic Sunflower field, Brown County.  Sunflower heads follow the sun's path across the sky until they bloom, at which point they are apparently too heavy to turn.  I've never seen a blooming sunflower pointing any direction but East.

Wild Sunflower, State Flower, Brown County.  Wild Sunflowers grow in farmer's fields, too, but are considered a fairly serious weed.  They compete with crops for moisture and sunlight, and when mature their stalk is nearly as hard as wood.

A Monarch Butterfly feeds on domestic sunflower nectar, Brown County.  Besides their commercial value, domestic sunflowers provide food for countess animals and insects.  After maturing and drying in the field, the crop is harvested by conventional harvesting equipment using special gathering heads.

Of course, in sunflowers and in people, there is always at least ONE joker in the crowd !  Commercial sunflower field, Brown County.

   BACK TO INDEX