Are these things the same as an original 'marsh mallow'. If so, I think its the roots that are used. Not much beyond that though. It might be wise to know a little more about a plants growth habits, unless the seeds are just free and your curious. Just don't let anyone give you any castor bean seeds.

Tree mallow is usually considered a member of the genus Lavatera-there are several species. Some have been reclassified to the genus Malva. Marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis) is closely related. They are both members of the family Malvaceae (mallow family).
Tree mallows bear flowers resembling hibiscus or old fashioned hollyhocks (another close relative). They are short lived woody shrubs that can grow up to 7 feet tall and 5 feet wide, depending on the species. They are summer blooming and need full sun and well drained, lean soil (not too much fertilizer).
Sometimes common mallow from the genus Malva is called tree mallow by mistake. They are similar in many ways but are usually smaller plants.

So should I direct seed them, or start them inside? Like I said, these came from a trade. The person I traded with also got them in a trade, so we don't have any info on them. I do want to grow these though. Maybe once they're a few months old I can post a pic and get an ID.

Abby

If you have the set up-lights and a warm area, you can start them inside now. Otherwise, wait until your last frost date to sow outside directly in the ground.
Go ahead and post a picture but be aware that differentiating species is at best difficult from a photo. Botanists separate species based on criteria that are often difficult to see with the naked eye (like presence of fine hairs at the base of the leaf for instance) much less in a photograph. Make sure you take it when it is in flower.