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Helianthus maximiliani (Maximilian sunflower)
Bransford, W.D. Mrs.

Helianthus maximiliani Schrad.

Maximilian sunflower, Max sunflower

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

USDA Symbol: hema2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

The several tall, leafy, unbranched stems of michaelmas-daisy or maximilian sunflower grow to a height of 3-10 ft. Leaves are long and narrow, up to 10 inches near the bottom and as short as 2 inches near the top. They are alternate, coarse and hairy, slightly wavy on the edges, often folded lengthwise, slightly toothed and very pointed. Numerous yellow flower heads grow on their own stalks terminally and from leaf axils. The flower head is up to 5 inches across, with 15-19 ray flowers, deeply veined and slightly toothed on the tip. The center is 1 inch or more across, green to dark brown. These perennial plants can form large colonies. It was named for the naturalist Prince Maximilian, who led an expedition into the American West in the 1830s.

A native prairie perennial, this sunflower is a desirable range plant, eaten by many livestock. A heavy crop of seeds is produced, thus it is also a valuable plant for wildlife. It was named for the naturalist Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied, Germany, who led an expedition into the American West in the 1830s. Another bluegrass prairie species, Willow-leaved Sunflower (H. salicifolius), has numerous long, narrow, drooping leaves covered with soft hairs and a purple-brown central disk; it is typical of rocky outcrops with heavy soil.

 

From the Image Gallery

View herbarium specimen from Harry T. Cliffe Bexar Regional Herbarium.

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Size Class: 3-6 ft.
Fruit Type: Achene
Size Notes: 4-6 feet.
Flower Size: 3 inches

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow , Brown
Bloom Time: Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CA , CO , CT , ID , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , MT , NE , NJ , NM , NY , NC , ND , OH , OK , PA , SC , SD , TN , TX , VA , WA , WV , WI , WY
Canada: BC , MB , SK
Native Distribution: MN to Sask., s. to MO, OK & TX; naturalized eastward & occasionally westward
Native Habitat: Rich prairies; ditches
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Moist , Dry
Soil Description: Prefers moist clay-like soil, but tolerant of a wide range of soils including Limestone-based, Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay.
Conditions Comments: A native prairie perennial, this sunflower is a desirable range plant, eaten by many livestock. A heavy crop of seeds is produced, thus it is also a valuable plant for wildlife. Numerous yellow flower heads grow on their its stalk.
Texas comments: Maximilian sunflower is a native prairie perennial with numerous yellow flowers on its stalk. A heavy crop of seeds is produced, thus it is also a valuable plant for wildlife. It tends to colonize in good garden soil. It should be divided and replanted every 3 years to keep it healthy and under control.

Benefit

Use Ornamental: Showy, Attractive, Color, Pocket prairie, Perennial garden, Wildflower meadow
Use Wildlife: This species is palatable to deer and numerous species of birds who eat the seeds. It is also a useful wildlife cover plant. Nectar-Bees, Nectar-Butterflies
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds
Nectar Source: yes
Deer Resistant: Moderate

Propagation

Propagation Material: Seeds , Softwood Cuttings
Description: Excellent germination occurs with seeds that have been refrigerated over winter. Stem cuttings can be taken before flowering, but the easiest method of increase in to divide the clump in early spring, replant and water immediately.
Seed Collection: Nutlets usually mature 2-3 weeks after flowering. To beat finched to the seeds, secure a small bag around seeds heads after the flowers fade. Air-dry collected seed heads, separate nutlets from chaff, and store in sealed, refrigerated containers.
Seed Treatment: A long cold period is a pre-germination requirement. Seeding should be sparse to allow adequate space for growth.
Commercially Avail: yes
Maintenance: Fertile soil often produces lush growth and weak stems, which are likely to fall over. Stake plants if stems begin to arch before flowering. Plants will improve in appearance if watered during periods of drought.
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Order seed of this species from Native American Seed and help support the Wildflower Center.

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Fredericksburg Nature Center - Fredericksburg, TX
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Nueces River Authority - Uvalde, TX
* Available Online from Wildflower Center Store

Bibliography

Gardening with Prairie Plants: How to Create Beautiful Native Landscapes (2002) Wasowski, S.
Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas and the Southwest (1991) Miller, G. O.
* Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. Wasowski
Shinners & Mahler's Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas (1999) Diggs, G. M.; B. L. Lipscomb; B. O'Kennon; W. F...
Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. Loughmiller
Texas Wildscapes: Gardening for Wildlife (1999) Damude, N. & K.C. Bender
* Wildflowers of Texas (2003) Ajilvsgi, Geyata.
* Wildflowers of the Texas Hill Country (1989) Enquist, M.

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Recommended Species Lists

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Additional resources

USDA: Find Helianthus maximiliani in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Helianthus maximiliani in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Helianthus maximiliani

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-02-18
Research By: TWC Staff

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