Sunflower
Helianthus annuus
Sunflowers are native to North America and were domesticated in the Mississippi valley as early as 2300 BC. The people of many Native American cultures grew sunflowers as the "fourth sister" along with the "three sisters" of corn, beans and squash. Sunflower meal was made by parching and grinding the seeds.
While in the bud stage, most sunflowers face east in the morning, then change direction during the day as they track the sun across the sky. During the night, they return to an eastward facing direction. When the blooming stage is reached, the stem stiffens, and the flower no longer changes direction.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Anthropology & Archaeology • Native Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 2300 BCE.
Location. 38° 46.385′ N, 90° 28.919′ W. Marker is in St. Charles, Missouri, in St. Charles County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of South Riverside Drive and Boone's Lick Road, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1050 S Riverside Dr, Saint Charles MO 63301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Corn, Pole Beans, Squash / Habanero & Jalapeno Peppers / Tomato (here, next to this marker); Onions (here, next to this marker); Potato (a few
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Credits. This page was last revised on March 27, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 23, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 95 times since then and 4 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on March 23, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
