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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.