The sunflower seed is the fruit of the sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Sunflowers have been grown commercially in Canada since the early 1940s, and due to their deep tap root system, they have been very adaptable to the Canadian climate, capable of tolerating drought and wet conditions. There are two types of commonly used sunflower seeds: oilseed (black color) and confection (black to grey color in striping).