Sunflower (Latin: *Helianthus annuus*) is an annual plant of the Asteraceae family, known for its large, bright yellow flowers that resemble the sun. Native to North America, sunflowers have spread throughout the world and have become especially popular in agriculture due to their seeds and oil.
Sunflowers attract bees and other pollinators, playing an important role in maintaining biodiversity.
Their root system helps improve soil structure and prevent erosion.
Sunflowers can absorb toxic substances from polluted soils (phytoremediation).
In Ukraine, the sunflower has become a symbol of the sun, fertility and peace. Its image is often found in folk art and holidays.
Sunflower oil is one of the most important food products and export goods. The seeds are eaten, and animal feed is made from the waste products.
In art, the sunflower has inspired artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, whose famous “Sunflowers” have become a symbol of the vitality and beauty of nature.
The sunflower combines aesthetic, ecological and practical value, due to which it plays an important role both in nature and in the culture of various peoples.