Hi! I would love to have some of your seeds. I have Picotee Cosmos seeds and I have a yellow strain of yarrow, but I don't know the exact variety. Feel free to check my list. Heidi

The sunflowers have been discussed in the native plants forum. It was established that the first one has smooth stems, which would rule out Helianthus tuberosus.

Surprise - my guesstimate was off. It is only 5" across. It is 30" high, one bloom per stalk. When I look at sunflower seeds to sow in the garden, it's difficult to find short and with this yellow center except for Angel's Halo, but that seems too tall. I don't know about the purity of buying bird feeder seed to plant - lots of millet and other stuff in it, too?

I'm so glad your interested in growing the perennial Sunflowers. You'll get more activity from birds and butterflies than you will with the annual varieties. They are all US Natives and can be easily grown from seed, and they make excellent long lasting cut flowers. HELIOPSIS helianthoides "Perennial Sunflower" Blooms July  September, 3-4 feet tall Bright yellow 4" flowers. One of my favorite cut flowers. The gold finches love the seeds. [ HELIANTHUS mollis "Downy Sunflower" Blooms August  September, 20-40 inches tall, Lemon yellow 4" flowers. Downy Sunflower is an attractive plant, whether in or out of bloom. It can be readily distinguished from other sunflowers by the fine soft hairs that heavily cover both the leaves and stems. Native Downy Sunflower is often found growing in colonies and prefers average to rich, well drained soil and full sun. Native sunflowers are excellent nectar food source for butterflies and songbirds. Helianthus microcephalus "Small Wood Sunflower" Blooms August - September, 5 feet tall, Zone 4  8, Habitat - Prefers moist soils in full sun, but is tolerant of drought and light shade. HELIANTHUS grosserserratus "Saw-tooth Sunflower" Blooms August  September, 10-15 feet tall Bright yellow 3" flowers. This Helianthus is a giant. It grows about 15 feet in my garden, but I have excellent soil. The gold finches love this plant. It makes a wonder privacy screen.