“The Common Sunflower is one of those natives that we all take for granted. We see them here, there and everywhere, but almost always at a distance. We have forgotten how attractive those big yellow blooms are, when seen up close. Sunflowers are a “nostalgic” flower that make us think of farms and country gardens of the past. They turn up on everything from clothing to pot holders in the kitchen. They’ve never been out of fashion to the wild things, either. Common Sunflowers are a terrific habitat plant! They attract a variety of bees and butterflies, and are a larval food of choice for the Gorgone Crescentspot, Painted Lady, Silvery Crescentspot, and Bordered Patch butterflies. Common Sunflowers are also a major food source for seed-eating birds in the fall. To top it all off, they are hardy enough to withstand drought conditions, and if you allow them to re-seed, they will be there to feed wildlife and provide beauty every year.”

The quote above is from Native American Seed, the seed growers near Junction, TX , whose intent is to heal the land. They are heroes to many naturalists. Visit seedsource.com to read their stories and catalogue, or order a free paper catalogue to get started with. It’s packet with great information. The sunflower photo above, with the bee laden with pollen, was taken in front of the Little House.