The sunflower is a tall flowering plant that can grow six to eight feet high, with a large flower head surrounded by spiraling yellow, maroon, or orange petals. While sunflowers can grow in various climates and soil types, including sand or clay, they thrive best in warmer areas. Sunflowers have many uses as bird food, cooking oil, medicine, and paint, and sunflower oil has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels.