Forever Stamps 2026 Sunflowers – Floral Collection, First-Class Postage

Prized by both gardeners and pollinators, the sunflower (Helianthus annuus) takes its scientific name from the Greek word helios, meaning “sun,” and anthus, meaning “flower.” Aside from common sunflowers, more than 50 distinct species of annual and perennial sunflowers grow within North America. Similar to other heliotropic plants like the alpine buttercup and Arctic poppy, young sunflowers follow the sun’s trajectory from east to west throughout the day. This sun-tracking behavior diminishes as the plant matures, and its stem becomes more stationary and rigid.

A dependable source of nectar and seeds, sunflowers are a favorite food plant for birds, bees, and butterflies. They also offer sustainable benefits including drought resistance, soil rejuvenation through their deep taproots, and natural pest control in gardens and on farms. While sunflowers are hardy, easy to grow, and tolerate both dry conditions and poor soil, true to their name, they do require plenty of sunshine.

The stamp art features four stylized sunflowers rendered in yellow, gold, and brown, with leaves and stems in shades of green against a pale yellow background. Using photographic references, illustrator Nancy Stahl sketched the initial drawing in ink, then used a vector drawing application to apply final color. “I always try my best to make my drawings approachable, interesting takes on what often are familiar subjects,” says Stahl. “I was fascinated by the underside of the sunflower’s bloom — how the stem is topped off with an almost petal-like double ring of small green leaves. The Fibonacci pattern made by the seeds at the center on the front side was mesmerizing once I dove into it.”