Common name: Common Sunflower
Botanical name: Helianthus annuus
Sunflowers can grow anywhere from 6'-15' tall on top of thick, sturdy stems. They have large, dark green leaves with bright yellow flowers with tender petals that bloom spring to summer. The flowers need direct sunlight, well draining, fertile, moist soil to encourage the best flowering. Bees, birds and butterflies love sunflower plants.
Common name: Century Plant, Maguey
Botanical name: Agave americana
This plant is fast growing to about 6'-10' tall and 8'-13' wide. Wide gray leaves have stiff terminal spines and recurved teeth on margins. It prefers full sun and well-drained situations. After blooming, which could take several years, it will die but will send up new pups from around the base. Some people are allergic to the sap. Removal is difficult if unwanted.