From this early wild sunflower, which grows from the East through the Middle West, from Canada to South America, the giants of our modern fields and gardens came. The Hurons especially cherished this golden-yellow petaled flower, with its brown center, later bristling with nutritious seed. Probably no plant was more important in clothing, feeding and beautifying the American aborigine. It must have been hardier than most plants in its ability to survive prehistoric droughts. They made use, too, of the sunflower oil in the manufacture of soap and candles.
Sunflower oil is highly esteemed as a healthful vegetable oil both here and abroad.
Like American corn and the tomato, the sunflower has found its way to Europe, Asia and Africa. Even when not cultivated, it often grows as a weed lining roads for miles. There are about 60 species of sunflowers in the U.S., Helianthus annuus being the most common. Helianthus is from the Greek belios, the sun, and antbos, a flower. The flower in its early stages of development travels daily on its stalk, keeping its face always toward the sun which gives the golden florets the benefit of perfect exposure to sunlight.