Sunflower Field in Black and White Jigsaw Puzzle

Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are believed to have originated in North America, where they were cultivated by indigenous people for thousands of years as a source of food, oil, and medicine. In the 16th century, Spanish explorers brought sunflowers back to Europe, where they were first grown as ornamental plants. By the 18th century, sunflowers had become an important commercial crop in Russia, where they were primarily grown for their oil. In the late 19th century, Russian immigrants brought sunflower seeds to the United States, where the crop quickly became popular as a source of oil for cooking and as a birdseed. Today, the United States, Russia, and Ukraine are the largest producers of sunflowers in the world. Sunflowers have also become a popular symbol of happiness and positivity, with their bright yellow petals and distinctive appearance making them a favorite in gardens and bouquets. They are often associated with the famous artist Vincent van Gogh, who created a series of paintings featuring the flowers in the late 1800s.