How long have sunflowers been on earth?

The sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is an annual plant that originated in Southeastern U.S. about 5000 years ago. It was used by the local natives in bread, medical ointments, dyes and body paints. Making it way to Mexico (trading between tribes) it was a valuable plant used by the Aztecs and Otomi of Mexico and the Incas of South America. In 1510 the Spanish explorers carried seeds back to Europe, and it became very popular across the continent as a food source and as an ornamental flower.