I am pretty sure it is a perennial sunflower (Helianthus maximillianii). A very nice surprise indeed!

Thanks Anna, but I'm pretty postive it isn't a sunflower. Not only are the flowers themselves too small and the foilage not similar, but it has way too many petals and in too many rows (and no seeds whatsoever.)

It sure could be based on height alone though...;-]

Cheers,
Russ

I have since discovered it is a "Rudbeckia laciniata ÂHortensiaÂ", commonly referred to as a "Golden Glow."

Thanks!

Cheers,
Russ

Nice. Can you harvest some seeds to save? They may be in demand.

"Lovingly known as the Outhouse Plant, this old heirloom selection of Coneflower is still seen in gardens today."

Turns out my best friend gave it to me a couple of years ago, but I completely forgot.

There are no seeds, unfortunately, but it propagates well by simply dividing the root ball. IÂm definitely going to work with it to give it a better spot as right now itÂs literally inside a willow.

Have a look at this picture of them. (note: not from my garden.)

PlantFiles: Pictures of Cut-Leaf Coneflower, Golden Glow 'Hortensia' (Rudbeckia laciniata)

Link below goes to a page with all sorts of details about it.

Cheers,
Russ

Here is a link that might be useful: PlantFiles: Detailed information on Cut-Leaf Coneflower, Golden Glow Rudbeckia laciniata 'Hortensia'

I have them also and they are against the red pool house. I love them. They have a funny root system. I don't know if it's little corms or not. I have to tie mine up for the wind. You are right. There are no seeds.