Refers specifically to the common sunflower (Helianthus annuus).
In summer, big sunflowers bloom in the garden.
In summer, sunflowers bloom in the garden.
Sunflower seeds are rich in nutrients.
Sunflowers face the sun all day long.
花 is the generic word for any flower, while ひまわり names one specific species, the sunflower.
The word is usually written in kana; this is the most common spelling.
Katakana spelling, often used in botanical contexts or for emphasis.
Kanji form using jukujikun reading; rarely used in everyday writing.
Rarely used kanji form.
The word is a compound of 日 (hi, 'sun') and 回り (mawari, 'turning'), referring to the plant's tendency to turn toward the sun. The kanji 向日葵 is a jukujikun reading.