Sunflowers Turn From Sun: Utahns Wonder If It’s a Sign

How Sunflowers Normally Behave 

There is a term called heliotropism that describes what happens with certain flowers including the sunflower where they will turn to face the sun as it goes across the sky. They also prepare for the morning light. Overnight the face of the flower turns back to the east for the sun's rising the next day. 

According to Science Daily, sunflowers face the rising sun to warm up which helps attract more bees. The bees pollinate the flowers and help produce more. The sunflower follows the sun during the day and increases photosynthesis. 

Why Are There Videos of Sunflowers Doing the Opposite of Normal? 

Recently, there have been videos online showing sunflowers turned away from the sun. It is striking to see an entire field of flowers with their backs to away from the light in the sky like it is being rejected. The people filming the flowers say something is wrong. 

Is there something weird going on? According to Science Daily, sunflowers follow the sun when they are growing but as they get older the stem becomes more woody and they stop moving. It is possible these people are only filming older flowers? 

On the other hand, the people filming seem to be familiar with fields of sunflowers. It seems like they would have been aware of what happens as they mature. I'm not an expert on the stages of sunflower growth so I can't tell from the video.

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Their explanation also seems kind of out there. Many of them think the sun has been replaced or somehow changed. Others say it is the extra heat that has effected how the plants react.

If you have sunflowers in your yard or you drive by them on a fence line, I would like to know if you have seen any changes. It just seems odd and maybe it is nothing.