What Are Some Adaptations of the Sunflower?

The sunflower adapts through its heliotropic head, bristles on the stem of the sunflower, leaves that are broad and oppositely positioned and overall versatility. Sunflowers can function in a variety of climates and soil types, as well as drought. Its heliotropic head moves to follow the sun, from east to west and back east again at the end of the day.

The heliotropic head is a sunflower adaptation to shade intolerance. The sunflower’s bristly stem developed as a means of protecting against animal predators, and helping it to retain water in a variety of conditions. The leaves on the step are positioned such that the sunflower can easily absorb light for photosynthesis.