Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

20th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
City Sunflower

I was walking home from work one day and discovered this sunflower plant growing seemingly out of nowhere. It was just so striking to me. Somehow a seed found its way into the tiniest space between where a parking lot meets a brick wall, and it began to grow. It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen and was a magical experience for me, interacting with that plant. I'll never forget it.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2017
Date Uploaded: 10.2022
Photo Location: New Britain, Connecticut, United States of America
Camera: N9518
Copyright: © Matthew Hooper