Month: May 2026

For many, the sunflower is the quintessential symbol of summer—a towering, bright yellow bloom that follows the sun across the sky. But beyond its cheerful appearance and tasty seeds lies a history spanning thousands of years, traveling across continents and playing a pivotal role in the rise of empires, the evolution of art, and the global food industry. The story of the sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is one of transformation, from a wild North American weed to a global agricultural powerhouse.