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Taxonomy See also list of plants in the family Asteraceae. Sunflower, (Helianthus annuus), annual flowering plant known for its spectacular size, large, showy flower heads, and edible seeds. The sunflower is native to North America and is widely cultivated as an ornamental and as a commercial food crop, its seeds being the source of sunflower oil. The genus Helianthus comprises nearly 70 other species, including the Jerusalem artichoke (H. tuberosus), which is cultivated for its...