The sunflower is a tall, coarse annual herb that resembles a colossal daisy. Commercially it is one of the most important herbs in the world today. The plant is grown as an ornamental or for its seeds, which are a valuable source of vitamins and minerals.
The sunflower is native to the Americas. The Indians used it seeds as a source of meal, and the sun- worshipping Incas of Peru attached a religious significance to it and used the plant as an accessory in their religious rites.
The Spanish conquistadores and other visitors to the New World carried the seeds of the “floure of the Sunne” back to their homelands where the exceptional nutritional worth of the plant was at first ignored.
From the point of view of the gardener, growing sunflowers is an enjoyable occupation. When the plants are young, their heads will turn to face the sun each morning. There are many varieties, including some that do not produce seed. These are used chiefly as ornamentals. Some flowers resemble giant black eyed Susan’s, while others are huge, beautiful
pompons resembling chrysanthemums.